RCMP NL has dismantled a synthetic firearm manufacturing and suspected trafficking operation following the execution of a search warrant on June 26, 2023, at a residence in Harbour Grace. Two individuals, 49-year-old John Byrne and 41-year-old Crystal Chislett of Harbour Grace, were arrested and are charged with a number of serious criminal offences.
Privately made firearms are illegal to manufacture or possess and are untraceable. Given the poor manufacturing quality, these firearms are unsafe, posing risks to the general public and the user.
The investigation began on May 30, 2023, when the RCMP was alerted by Canada Border Services Agency of an intercepted package containing firearms parts that were destined for a home in Harbour Grace.
On June 26, 2023, RCMP officers from Harbour Grace, Bay Roberts and Holyrood Detachments, as well as the RCMP NL Emergency Response Team, attended the Lemarchant Street home with a warrant to search the property, authorized under the Criminal Code of Canada.
The following items were located and seized from inside the home:
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- 16 long guns, some of which were unsafely stored
- A total of 33 hand guns, including one prohibited firearm, one restricted loaded firearm, and 27 3D printed firearms in various stages of completion, one of which was 100% complete and capable of firing
- A large quantity of 3D printed magazines
- A large quantity of 3D printed firearm parts
- A 3D printer
- A large quantity of ammunition of various calibers
- 10 prohibited weapons, including knives and brass knuckles
- A "Security" uniform and hard body armour
"A seizure of this magnitude and kind, involving synthetic privately made firearms, is certainly unique to the community of Harbour Grace and to our province as a whole. It's the first seizure of privately made firearms for the RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador and only the second for the province," said Staff Sergeant Ken Maher, District Commander of Trinity-Conception RCMP
Byrne and Chislett attended court on June 27, 2023, and remain in custody. The pair are due back in court on Friday, June 30, 2023.
Both are each charged with the following criminal offences:
- Manufacturing a firearm
- Possession of a firearm for the purpose of transferring/trafficking
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm – three counts
- Unsafe storage of a firearm – two counts
- Unauthorized possession of firearm with ammunition readily accessible
- Possession of a firearm obtained by the commission of an offence
John Byrne is charged with the following additional criminal offences:
- Flight from police
- Possession of firearms while prohibited
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
Evidence gathered up to this point in the investigation suggests that these firearms were intended for sale. The investigation is continuing with additional criminal charges anticipated.
RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.