MOOSONEE - A sawed-off shotgun has been seized by police in Moosonee and three residents are facing charges.
James Bay OPP says it received reports of the weapon in the community on Dec. 4.
"Illicit firearms pose a serious risk to public safety. They are often used by organized crime groups, including street gangs, to broaden and secure drug trafficking networks. They are also used in violent crimes including theft, intimidation, extortion and homicide," said police in a news release.
The next day (Dec. 5), a 40-year-old man from Moosonee was arrested and charged with:
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Careless use of a firearm
- Careless storage of a firearm
- 2 counts of failure to comply with undertaking
- Possession of a schedule I substance - methamphetamine
Just before 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, the OPP's executed a search warrant on Hutchison Road. Officers seized a sawed-off shotgun and ammunition.
A 28-year-old woman from Moosonee is charged with:
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Careless use of a firearm
- Careless storage of a firearm
- Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition
- Trafficking a firearm
- Transfer firearm without authority
- Obstruct peace officer
A 35-year-old man from Moosonee is charged with:
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Careless use of a firearm
- Careless storage of a firearm
- Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition
- Trafficking a firearm
- Transfer firearm without authority
All of the accused are in police custody waiting for bail hearings.
None of the charges have been tested in court and the accused are considered innocent unless proven guilty.
