Most illegal guns in B.C. from domestic supply, province tackles trafficking
VICTORIA — British Columbia is creating a police squad to pursue gun trafficking after a task force report found more than half of the illegal firearms seized in the province over three years originated from inside Canada.
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said Monday police data indicates almost 60 per cent of the guns seized in B.C. were purchased, traded or stolen in Canada.
He said most people might think illegal weapons come from the United States or other countries, but it is common for weapons purchased legally in the country to end up in the hands of criminal gangs.
“Domestically sourced illegal firearms in Canada are now a significant factor in illegal firearms trade,” said Farnworth at a news conference. “Individuals with no criminal record and with a firearms licence could legally acquire firearms and divert them to the criminal market.”