FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, September 7, 2018, 10:05am
(Ottawa) – An Ottawa Police Guns and Gangs Unit weapons investigation resulted in the seizure of a Simonov SKS 1945 semi-automatic rifle, two magazines along with ammunition and a small amount of narcotics yesterday.
The warrant was executed at an apartment on Joffre Belanger Way at about 1 p.m. on Thursday. Two men have been arrested and charged.
The SKS rifle was found inside a guitar case in the residence. Two magazines, 400 rounds of 7.62 mm x 39 mm Russian full metal jacket ammunition, a "Streetwise Barbarian" Stun Flashlight, 9.65 grams of marijuana and 5.75 grams of cocaine were also seized.
Sean Villeneuve, 31, is charged alone with:
* Careless storage of a firearm
* 3 counts of Possession of a weapon
* Unauthorized possession of a firearm
* Unauthorized possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
* Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
* Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition knowing its possession is unauthorized
* 2 counts of Possession of a firearm or restricted weapon obtained by crime
* Possession for the purpose of trafficking in a schedule I substance
* Possession for the purpose of trafficking in a schedule II substance
A second man in the apartment was arrested and charged with four counts of failing to comply with a recognizance of bail.
"This investigation is just one example of our gun violence suppression efforts," said Chief Charles Bordeleau. "Our covert and investigative units, including our PIVOT and our Frontline officers continue to seize weapons and make arrests. We know there is more work to do and we remain focused on this issue."
So far, this year 39 crime guns have been seized by the OPS.
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