A large cache of assault rifles and other weaponry was found on a rural Cariboo property. Police say it is not apparently connected to either organized crime or militant groups, but refused to divulge what they do know of the arsenal origins.
RCMP spokesman Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said police were made aware of it on Dec. 6 when Alexis Creek's RCMP were informed of its presence on what was believed to be an abandoned property on Maindlay Rd., in an isolated location on the east side of the Nasko Lake Provincial Park.
"Following an extensive physical search... investigators seized a large arms cache," said Moskaluk. Police were on the property for two days.
"[We seized] more then 45 rifles and two handguns. Most of the rifles were military type assault rifles and some are believed to have been smuggled into Canada. Police also found several sets of military body armour and thousands of rounds of ammunition."
Police are calling for anyone with any knowledge of the guns or the property to contact them as soon as possible. The investigation, said Moskaluk, involves a wide range of law enforcement agencies including an explosives disposal unit.
"Investigators have not made any arrests in connection with the seizure, however confirm that their investigative efforts do include speaking to persons of interest that may have connections with the property."
Anyone with useful information can call the RCMP's Alexis Creek detachment at 250-394-4211 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS / www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca.
