2 Metro Vancouver men charged for manufacturing firearms, police say
Posted December 14, 2023 6:03 pm.
B.C’s anti-gang task force says two Metro Vancouver men are facing several charges for allegedly converting airsoft guns into real firearms.
The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) says it started the investigation in Dec. 2021 and progressed until investigators searched two homes in Surrey and Langley on Feb. 18 and Apr. 2, 2022.
Investigators say they found airsoft guns that had been converted to firearms, equipment to convert further firearms, and various amounts of ammunition, suppressors, and magazines.
On Dec. 8, 2023, the BC Prosecution Service charged 38-year-old Justin Michael Bos of Langley with multiple counts of firearms and prohibited device-related charges. The CFSEU says he remains in custody while waiting to appear in court.
As well, 36-year-old Matthew McKenzie Whitty of Delta is facing six counts of firearms-related charges but has been released from custody.
CFSEU Operations Officer Insp. Joel Hussey says privately made firearms are a trend that is growing in B.C. and beyond as of late.
“CFSEU-BC is working closely with its partners across the province to investigate and disrupt the people and groups who may seek to illegally make and sell firearms,” Hussey said.
–With files from The Canadian Press and Maria Vinca
