Winnipeg police seize 21 loaded handguns from apartment

A 24-year-old man is facing 77 charges after 21 loaded handguns were seized from a Winnipeg apartment. CTV’s Joseph Bernacki has more.

Nearly two dozen loaded firearms were seized from a Winnipeg apartment earlier this month, resulting in 77 charges against a Winnipeg man.

Inspector Josh Ewatski with the Winnipeg Police Service’s organized crime unit said the investigation started May 7, when police received a tip regarding a man armed with a firearm and possessing cocaine. Police were able to obtain a search warrant for an apartment suite in the 300 block of Cumberland Avenue.

Inside the apartment, police said they found 21 restricted, loaded handguns, a silencer, roughly 200 rounds of ammunition, 27 grams of cocaine and $25,000 in cash.

“Investigators also located evidence indicating that a firearm had been discharged from within the suite, and the round had struck a church across the street,” Ewatski said.

Police also allege the suspect was trafficking cocaine to northern Manitoba communities.

The suspect was later arrested on Corydon Avenue the same day.

A 24-year-old man has been charged with 77 charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offences. None of the charges have been proven in court.

“These were all firearms that were meant for illegal purposes, whether for possession or use in a criminal offence,” Ewatski said.

Ewatski said removing these guns has likely prevented multiple shootings and homicides not just in Winnipeg, but throughout Manitoba or Canada.

“Many of these firearms are trafficked within the province or across the country, either before or after being used,” he said.

Ewatski said so far this year, Winnipeg police have had six firearm-related homicides and 42 shootings, including 13 where people were shot. Last year, police responded to 93 shootings, nine firearm-related homicides and 34 shootings where people were shot.