On Sunday, August 20, police officers from the RCMP's Marine Security Enforcement Team (MSET) seized several firearms, as well as numerous magazines and ammunition, on board a sailboat off Pointe-à-la-Renommée in Gaspésie. Wayne Alfonza Bradford, 63, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was arrested. He has been charged with possession of a prohibited/restricted firearm with ammunition. Further charges may be laid against him.
MSET police officers intercepted the vessel during a watch patrol. After checks, they found that the individual had not reported his presence to the Canada Border Services Agency or declared his firearms. In the boat, they discovered a semi-automatic assault rifle and loaded semi-automatic pistol. They also found around ten prohibited high-capacity magazines and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Mr. Bradford is scheduled to appear for his bail hearing on August 24 in Percé via videoconference.
About MSET
MSET is part of the RCMP's Border Integrity Program and Federal Detachments, which work to protect the marine border. One of the program's main objectives is to fight organized crime and smuggling. To do so, a marine strategy has been put in place with multiple partners such as the Canadian Coast Guard, Canada Border Services Agency, the Canadian Armed Forces, Fisheries and Oceans, as well as international partners.
Appeal to the public
Do you have information on the illegal activities of individuals or groups of individuals? Contact the RCMP at 514-939-8300/1-800-771-5401 or your local police department.