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FRIDAYNOVEMBER 15
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Guns, ammo seized Prince George man facing 17 charges Give to help
Bill Phillips editor@pgfreepress.com About $25,000 worth of restricted and prohibited firearms and ammunition was seized from a Prospect Point home in Prince George September 25. A city man, Karl Haus, 53, will be in court in January to answer to a litany of charges stemming from the seizure, one of the largest ever in northern B.C. The road to the seizure began early September when Canada Border Services Agency officers noticed a suspicious package coming to Canada from Germany. “On September 9, two suspicious packages were intercepted by CBSA officers,” said Harald Wuigk, assistant director, Criminal Investigations Bill PHILLIPS/Free Press An arsenal of restricted firearms, including ammunition, was seized at a property in the Section, of the CBSA. “The information on the declaration Prospect Point area of Prince George. Prince George RCMP Superintendent Eric Stubbs, North card described the contents at District Chief Superintendent Rod Booth, Canada Border Services Agency Assistant Director Harald Wuigk, and Federal Serious and Organized Crime Superintendent Derek Simmonds ‘other machinery.’ However, speak with media about the seizure. when officers examined the tendent Derek Simmonds, Federal Serious all these weapons could eventually be used parcel, they found the lower receiver for a and Organized Crime in B.C. “We were to commit criminal acts,” said Booth. “They Colt-M16A1.” fortunate that we were able to remove these could reasonably be expected to cause signifiThe second parcel contained a trigger asweapons before they harmed someone.” cant harm to people.” sembly and selector switch for the M16A1. The weapons, which were shipped from Prince George RCMP Superintendent Eric “In the wrong hands it is a very dangerous Germany, were found throughout the home Stubbs pointed out that the weapons seizure weapon,” he said. and were not secured. What Haus intended was the result of several law enforcement That led to several law enforcement agento do with them is not yet known. Haus is not agencies working together. cies becoming involved – RCMP Federal “known to police” and doesn’t have a substan“Each agency worked seamlessly to achieve Serious and Organized Crime in B.C., Prince tial criminal record. a goal,” he said. “… This type of multi-agency George RCMP, CBSA, and Combined Forces “The seizure of these weapons has had a cooperation happens on a regular basis.” Special Enforcement Unit – and a search direct impact on public safety,” said RCMP Haus, who has been released from custody, warrant being executed in Prince George. At has been charged with two counts of importthe residence, police located more than 31,000 Chief Superintendent Rod Booth, the North District commanding officer. “Past experience ing a prohibited firearm or component knowrounds of ammunition, three handguns (two has demonstrated that a single firearm has the ing he was unauthorized to do so, four counts of which were loaded), seven rifles, a fully potential to cause serious harm, or death, to of possession of a prohibited or restricted automatic M16, a fully automatic AK47, two multiple people.” weapon that is either loaded or is readily morning stars (spiked metal balls on a chain With the weapons not stored securely, there accessible to ammunition, four counts of posand stick), two shotguns, five 100-round is potential for accidents, said Booth. Howsession of a prohibited weapon, five counts of capacity drum magazines, 50 assault rifle ever, the greater danger is they find their way careless use of a firearm (unsafe storage), and magazines, and four bulletproof vests. two counts of possessing a firearm with the “The presence of these weapons constituted onto the streets. “There’s a much greater fear, for police, that serial number altered. a clear threat to public safety,” said Superin-
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typhoon victims Typhoon Haiyan – locally known as Yolanda –is the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2013. The storm has caused widespread damage, including landslides and flooding. Among the people affected are those who were left homeless by an earthquake in mid-October. BC Liquor Stores customers can support Red Cross Super Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts in the Philippines by making a donation at any BC Liquor Store. These donations will help the Red Cross provide urgently needed assistance in affected communities. From today until Dec. 9, customers may make donations of $2 or $5 – or multiples thereof – at all checkouts in BC Liquor Stores. All donations received during this time will be matched by the federal government. Canadians wishing to help individuals affected by this storm are encouraged to make a financial donation online, at their local Red Cross office, or by calling 1-800-418-1111. Please earmark donations “Typhoon Haiyan.” Funds will be used to support Red Cross efforts in all countries affected by the storm. You can also give directly the the Canadian Red Cross online at www. redcross.ca/
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Written by Alan Janes NOVEMBER 21 DECEMBER 11 Buddy Holly’s hit songs come alive in the world’s most successful rock ‘n’ roll musical. By arrangement with Alan Janes