Former Canadian Member of Parliament Inky Mark was arrested on July 7 after police executed a search warrant at his home in Dauphin, Manitoba, seizing 439 firearms and an antique cannon. Mark, 78, appeared in court last week and was released with conditions. He faces a dozen charges related to the seizure.
The investigation that led to Mark's arrest began in March when police were notified of firearms charges against another man in the Dauphin area. This inquiry subsequently led the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to discover and seize firearms allegedly purchased by Mark that were reportedly never lawfully transferred. Officials stated that at least three firearms are believed to have been trafficked illegally, and one had its serial number tampered with. In addition to the weapons, police also found over C$300,000 in cash at Mark's residence.
RCMP Assistant Commissioner and Manitoba Commanding Officer Scott McMurchy emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, stating that the illegal trafficking of prohibited weapons threatens public safety. Cpl Barry Kirby of the Manitoba RCMP noted that Mark is known as a firearm collector, but the full motive behind the seizure remains unclear.
Mark has a long history in Canadian politics. He served as the mayor of Dauphin from 1994 until 2010, when he lost a re-election bid. From 1997 to 2010, he represented a constituency, now known as Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa, in the House of Commons. During his time in parliament, he was affiliated with the Reform Party of Canada, the Canadian Alliance, and the Conservative Party. He made an unsuccessful attempt to return to parliament as an independent in 2015.