Halifax Regional Police has laid a number of firearms charges in relation to an investigation following a search of a residence in Dartmouth this month.

On March 6, the Canada Border Services Agency intercepted a package that had been shipped from China to an address in Dartmouth. The package contained a portion of a firearm that had been smuggled into Canada.

On March 14, investigators from the Integrated Gun and Drug Unit and the Canada Border Services Agency conducted a controlled delivery of the package and arrested the suspect when they picked it up. The investigators conducted a search of a residence related to the suspect and arrested a woman who was in the residence. The investigators seized a loaded handgun, three replica firearms, two crossbows, body armor, brass knuckles, knives, a 3D printer, and a quantity of other firearms parts.

Today the investigators conducted a search of a second residence in Dartmouth. Officers arrested a 70-year-old man who was in the residence and officers seized a firearm, replica firearms and prohibited knives.

Joseph Wayne Bowser, 34, is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth provincial court at a later date to face the following charges:

• Trafficking in firearms
• Possession of a firearm, prohibited or restricted weapon obtained by crime (x4)
• Possession of a restricted firearm with accessible ammunition
• Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized (x4)
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm (x4)
• Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace (x6)
• Store firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations
• Disguise with intent
• Smuggling
• Failure to comply with conditions of a court order (x3)
• Disobeying order of court (x3)
• Possession of a firearm contrary to a court order (x18)
• Unauthorized import/export weapons (x2)
• Possession of computer data that pertain to a firearm

Kyra Heather Elizabeth Cooper, 19, is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth provincial court at a later date to face the following charges:

• Trafficking in firearms
• Possession of a firearm, prohibited device or ammunition obtained by crime (x4)
• Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
• Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized (x4)
• Unauthorized possession of firearm (x4)
• Possession weapon dangerous to public peace (x6)
• Handle firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations
• Careless use of a firearm or weapon
• Unauthorized import/export weapons (x2)
• Possession of computer data that pertain to a firearm

The 70-year-old man is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth provincial court at a later date to face the following charges:

• Unauthorized possession of firearm

• Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
• Possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon
• Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace
• Careless use of a firearm or weapon

Anyone with information about illegal firearms should contact police at 902-490-5016. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or via the P3 Tips App.

Via HRP