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Oceanside RCMP confiscated a revolver-style handgun which they say had been modified for a different calibre of ammunition than originally designed. (submitted photo)
modified gun

Illegal handgun seized by Oceanside RCMP from unlicensed Parksville man

Feb 17, 2022 | 2:57 PM

PARKSVILLE — A weapons investigation has turned up what police say is an illegal firearm.

Oceanside RCMP conducted a search warrant on a Parksville-area home on Wednesday, Feb. 16 and uncovered a loaded, revolver-style handgun.

Sgt. Shane Worth said the owner appeared to have made some changes to the weapon.

“Investigators determined the firearm had been modified to accept…a different type of ammunition that the firearm was originally manufactured for.”

Worth said the practice is not only illegal but extremely dangerous.

Improperly-done modifications can have severe consequences to both the handler of the weapon and nearby on-lookers.

“It would be a danger to anybody around that firearm being used but in particular it would be dangerous for the operator of the firearm because it has the potential to explode in the person’s hand.”

A 49-year-old Parksville man had the weapon confiscated by officers. Worth noted he was not licensed to possess a firearm.

An investigation into the incident continues and will include laboratory examinations of the weapon.

Charges are yet to be laid against the man.

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