Two men, one from Delta and the other from Langley, are facing several firearms charges, following a two-year investigation by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit.
Spokesperson Sgt. Brenda Winpenny said in a Dec. 13 release, that police received information in December 2021 that led the Illegal Firearms Enforcement Team to start an investigation.
Matthew McKenzie Whitty, 36, from Delta, has been charged with two counts of possessing a restricted firearm, an improvised semi-automatic pistol; and two counts of possession of a restricted firearm.
He’s also charged with possessing a prohibited device designed to muffle sound and possession of a loaded firearm.
Justin Michael Bos, 38, from Langley, faces one count each of firearm’s manufacturing, possession of a prohibited device, importing a prohibited device, possession of a prohibited device designed to muffle sound, and possession of a loaded firearm.
Bos also faces two charges of possessing a restricted firearm, an improvised semi-automatic pistol.
“Privately made firearms represent a growing trend in B.C. and internationally, by which criminals attempt to obtain firearms and to profit from firearms sales,” said Insp. Joel Hussey, with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit. “CFSEU-BC is working closely with its partners across the province to investigate and disrupt the people and groups who may seek to illegally make and sell firearms.”
Warrants were issued allowing homes in Langley and Surrey to be searched in February and April 2022.
Police seized three Airsoft (pellet gun) pistols that were converted to .22 calibre firearms, two of which were fitted with silencers. Police also seized several gun magazines, 15 silencers, ammunition and slides, or devices that are used to convert Airsofts into functioning firearms.
