The Pas RCMP arrested two people after a tip from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) helped them uncover illegal gun manufacturing.
The CBSA told The Pas RCMP in August that they had intercepted a firearm silencer. The subsequent investigation led to search warrants being executed Sept. 1 and Sept. 2 at a Reader Street residence. The Pas RCMP seized two handguns, two long guns, eight suppressors/silencers, two 3D printers, ammunition and parts intended for the manufacture of firearms.
Patsy Shawaga, 49, of The Pas was arrested and charged with two counts of firearms manufacturing, unauthorized importation of a firearm silencer, possession of a loaded restricted or prohibited firearm and possession of a firearm when unauthorized.
Trent Swanson, 49, of The Pas, was arrested Sept. 10 for two counts each of firearms manufacturing, possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized, unauthorized possession of a loaded handgun and possession of a handgun contrary to a court order as well as one count each of manufacturing a firearm silencer and unauthorized importation of a firearm silencer.
Manufacturing guns without a business licence is illegal, as is importing or possessing firearm silencers, including those marked as “solvent traps.”
