New Westminster police seize two replica firearms in one week

For the second time in a week, the New Westminster Police Department (NWPD) says it has recovered a replica firearm.

Police say an officer saw a vehicle driving in “an aggressive manner” Friday. The officer pulled the vehicle over and arrested the driver, who happened to be prohibited from driving. A firearm was found inside the vehicle, but it was determined to be a replica.

Just three days earlier, on Feb. 27, the same officer had found two men sleeping inside a vehicle in Queensborough. A firearm — which also turned out to be a replica — could be seen inside the vehicle, and the Lower Mainland Integrated Response Team was called in. The men were taken into custody.

The NWPD wants to remind the public that while possessing replica firearms is not a crime, it is illegal to use it while committing an offence. It is also illegal to carry or conceal any weapon intended to be used to threaten or intimidate.

“These weapons present real dangers when used inappropriately and we will be proceeding with charges when we can,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “These seizures really highlight the unknown our officers face every time they approach a vehicle.”