Posted:
Halifax Regional Police has laid a number of firearms charges in relation to an investigation following a search of a residence in Dartmouth this month.
On March 6, the Canada Border Services Agency intercepted a package that had been shipped from China to an address in Dartmouth. The package contained a portion of a firearm that had been smuggled into Canada.
On March 14, investigators from the Integrated Gun and Drug Unit and the Canada Border Services Agency conducted a controlled delivery of the package and arrested the suspect when they picked it up. The investigators conducted a search of a residence related to the suspect and arrested a woman who was in the residence. The investigators seized a loaded handgun, three replica firearms, two crossbows, body armor, brass knuckles, knives, a 3D printer, and a quantity of other firearms parts.
Today the investigators conducted a search of a second residence in Dartmouth. Officers arrested a 70-year-old man who was in the residence and officers seized a firearm, replica firearms and prohibited knives.
Joseph Wayne Bowser, 34, is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth provincial court at a later date to face the following charges:
- Trafficking in firearms
- Possession of a firearm, prohibited or restricted weapon obtained by crime (x4)
- Possession of a restricted firearm with accessible ammunition
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized (x4)
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm (x4)
- Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace (x6)
- Store firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations
- Disguise with intent
- Smuggling
- Failure to comply with conditions of a court order (x3)
- Disobeying order of court (x3)
- Possession of a firearm contrary to a court order (x18)
- Unauthorized import/export weapons (x2)
- Possession of computer data that pertain to a firearm
Kyra Heather Elizabeth Cooper, 19, is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth provincial court at a later date to face the following charges:
- Trafficking in firearms
- Possession of a firearm, prohibited device or ammunition obtained by crime (x4)
- Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized (x4)
- Unauthorized possession of firearm (x4)
- Possession weapon dangerous to public peace (x6)
- Handle firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations
- Careless use of a firearm or weapon
- Unauthorized import/export weapons (x2)
- Possession of computer data that pertain to a firearm
The 70-year-old man is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth provincial court at a later date to face the following charges:
- 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
Anyone with information about illegal firearms should contact police at 902-490-5016. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or via the P3 Tips App.
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