Guns, body armour, and grenades found during search

RCMP officers seized body armour, grenades, and a loaded firearm while executing a search warrant on a rural property in Spallumcheen on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, March 6th, 2024, around 11 a.m., frontline officers from the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence on Back Enderby Road in Spallumcheen. The operation was conducted in relation to an ongoing firearms investigation from the fall of 2023. During the search, officers located multiple sets of body armour, a loaded shotgun, over 100 firearms and what were believed to be two live fragmentation grenades. Upon discovering the items, the on-scene officers immediately vacated and secured the residence.  The RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit was consulted and on the following day, explosives ordnance disposal experts from the Canadian Forces attended and rendered the items safe.

These items represent a significant risk to the safety of our community, states Staff Sergeant Steve Mancini, Vernon North Okanagan RCMP’s Rural Unit Commander. It was through the diligent and strategic investigational work of our officers that we were able to remove them from circulation and prevent them from potentially being used in criminal activities.

A 38-year old man from Spallumcheen was arrested and made an initial appearance in court yesterday. He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court today.