B.C. RCMP issue warning after ‘several’ illegal assault-style firearms brought to detachment

A restricted gun licence holder holds an AR-15 at his home in Langley, B.C., on May 1, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

An RCMP detachment in B.C. is warning the public against showing up at a local police station if they have firearms they want to relinquish under the federal buyback program.

The Upper Fraser Valley detachment issued the reminder Sunday, after “several individuals” sought to turn in their weapons in recent days.

“While we appreciate the public’s efforts to comply with this program, we would like to remind firearm owners that arriving at a detachment with unsecured or unregistered firearms is a criminal offence,” the statement from Mounties said.

“Individual firearm owners who have declared participation in the program will receive direct instructions on how to schedule a collection appointment.”

The deadline for individuals to register was March 31, according to the federal government, which has released data saying 15,600 firearms were declared in B.C.

Those who missed the deadline but wish to turn in their weapons are urged to call the non-emergency line of their local police department for guidance.

Since May 2020, Ottawa has outlawed about 2,500 types of firearms, including the AR-15 and Ruger Mini-14, on the basis they belong only on the battlefield.

Prohibited firearms and devices must be disposed of or deactivated by the end of an amnesty period on Oct. 30, regardless of whether gun owners take part in the compensation program.

According to a list from the federal government, compensation ranges from $150 to nearly $10,000—depending on the type of weapon.

With files from The Canadian Press