Canada: Ex-MP Inky Mark Faces 12 Charges After Massive Weapons Cache Found at Home

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has arrested former Member of Parliament (MP) Inky Mark, 78, in a major operation in Manitoba on charges including illegal firearms trafficking, unsafe storage of firearms, and several other serious criminal offences. During a search of his residence in the Dauphin area, investigators seized 439 firearms, an antique cannon, and CAD 300,000 in cash. Authorities describe the operation as one of the largest firearms-related police investigations in Manitoba's recent history. Speaking at a press conference, Manitoba RCMP Corporal Barry Kirby said the search warrant was executed on July 7 at Mark's home in the Dauphin region. Due to the large number of weapons recovered, specialist teams required several days to count, classify, and examine the seized firearms. Investigation Reveals Alleged Firearms Violations According to police, the items recovered included 439 rifles, shotguns, and handguns, along with an antique cannon and CAD 300,000 in cash. Preliminary findings indicate that at least three firearms had allegedly been sold illegally, while one firearm had its serial number removed. Investigators also found that hundreds of firearms were stored without the required safety measures, allegedly violating Canadian firearms regulations. Police have filed 12 criminal charges against Mark. The charges include illegal firearms trafficking, careless and unsafe storage of firearms, unauthorized possession of firearms and prohibited devices, and possession of cash and property alleged to have been obtained through criminal activity. Corporal Kirby stated that legally collecting firearms is not an offence in Canada. However, firearms trafficking, removing serial numbers, or failing to store firearms safely in accordance with the law are considered serious criminal offences. He added that illegal firearms contribute to organized crime and violent incidents. Probe Linked to Earlier U.S. Smuggling Case The investigation reportedly began in March this year after a firearms trafficking case in the United States. U.S. authorities arrested a 73-year-old man from the Dauphin area on allegations of illegal firearms smuggling. During that investigation, Canadian authorities identified several firearms that had been purchased by Inky Mark but whose ownership had not been legally transferred. Based on that information, the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST) expanded the investigation, eventually leading to the search of Mark's residence and the seizure of the large cache of weapons. Veteran Manitoba Politician Inky Mark is a well-known political figure in Manitoba. He served as Mayor of Dauphin from 1994 to 1997 before representing the Dauphin–Swan River constituency as a Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2010. During his political career, he represented the Reform Party, the Canadian Alliance, and the Conservative Party. It is also noteworthy that in 2012, Mark wrote a letter to a newspaper advocating the removal of many restrictions under Canada's firearms laws. Following his arrest, that statement has once again drawn public attention. Police said the investigation is ongoing and that reviewing the licences, ownership records, and documentation related to the seized firearms is expected to take several weeks. Additional charges may be added depending on the outcome of the investigation. For now, the court has granted Mark interim release under strict conditions. The next court hearing is scheduled for August 11 in Dauphin. Political and legal experts believe the case is among the most serious firearms-related criminal matters ever involving a former Member of Parliament in Manitoba. The investigation has also reignited debate over the effectiveness of Canada's firearms laws and the accountability of former public office holders.