Three people are facing several firearm charges after the Canada Border Services Agency found a “portion” of a firearm in a package shipped from China to Dartmouth, N.S.
According to a news release from the Halifax Regional Police, Border Services intercepted the package on March 6 and learned the firearm portion had been smuggled in Canada.
On March 14, investigators arrested a suspect when they tried to pick up the package during a controlled delivery.
The release says investigators searched a residence related to the suspect and arrested a woman. They also found:
- a loaded handgun
- two crossbows
- three replica firearms
- brass knuckles
- knives
- body armour
- a 3D printer
- a quantity of other firearm parts
Officers searched as second Dartmouth residence and arrested a 70-year-old man on Monday. They seized a firearm, prohibited knives, and replica firearms.
Joseph Wayne Bowser, 34, is facing charges of:
- trafficking in firearms
- four counts of possession of a firearm, prohibited or restricted weapon obtained by crime
- possession of a restricted firearm with accessible ammunition
- four counts of possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
- four counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm
- six counts of possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace
- store firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations
- disguise with intent
- smuggling
- three counts of failure to comply with conditions of a court order
- three counts of disobeying order of court
- 18 counts of possession of a firearm contrary to a court order
- two counts of unauthorized import/export of weapons
- possession of computer data that pertain to a firearm
Kyra Heather Elizabeth Cooper, 19, was charged with:
- trafficking in firearms
- four counts of possession of a firearm, prohibited device or ammunition obtained by crime
- possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
- four counts of possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
- four counts of unauthorized possession of firearm
- six counts of possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace
- handle firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations
- careless use of a firearm or weapon
- two counts of unauthorized import/export of weapons
The unnamed 70-year-old man was charged with:
- unauthorized possession of firearm
- possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
- possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon
- possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace
- careless use of a firearm or weapon
All three of the accused are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
