Explosives team dispatched during weapons seizure near Estevan, man charged

RCMP seized several weapons, including a suspected explosive device, following an investigation earlier this month. (Photo courtesy: Saskatchewan RCMP)

A Saskatchewan man is facing several charges following a weapons investigation near Estevan, Sask. earlier this month.

On June 3, Carnduff and Estevan RCMP received a report from the Estevan Police Service that a man in their jurisdiction was in possession of a stolen prohibited firearm, according to an update from Saskatchewan RCMP on Wednesday.

RCMP called upon the assistance of the Yorkton Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team and Critical Response Team and executed a search warrant in a rural residence in the Rural Municipality of Estevan on June 8.

During the search, officers found four firearms and ammunition, as well as a handheld item that they believed could be an explosive device.

The RCMP’s Explosive Disposal Unit was called to the scene to evaluate and remove the device safely. Following investigation, the unit determined the item did not consist of explosive materials.

One man was arrested at the scene.

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RCMP later seized a prohibited firearm at a home in Frobisher, Sask., following investigation. RCMP determined the firearm, which has been reported stolen in Estevan, was illegally sold.

A 23-year-old man from Hitchcock, Sask. was charged with four counts of possessing a firearm while knowing its possession was unauthorized, four counts of unsafe storage of firearms, one count of possessing property obtained by crime less than $5,000, and one count of weapons trafficking.

He appeared in Estevan Provincial Court on June 11 and is scheduled to appear again on June 23.