3 people arrested for multiple firearm charges in Dartmouth, N.S.

A Canada Border Services Agency badge is seen in this undated file photo.

Three people are facing several firearm charges after the Canada Border Services Agency found a "portion" of a firearm in a package shipped from China to Dartmouth, N.S.

According to a news release from the Halifax Regional Police, Border Services intercepted the package on March 6 and learned the firearm portion had been smuggled in Canada.

On March 14, investigators arrested a suspect when they tried to pick up the package during a controlled delivery.

The release says investigators searched a residence related to the suspect and arrested a woman. They also found:

• a loaded handgun
• two crossbows
• three replica firearms
• brass knuckles
• knives
• body armour
• a 3D printer
• a quantity of other firearm parts

Officers searched a second Dartmouth residence and arrested a 70-year-old man on Monday. They seized a firearm, prohibited knives, and replica firearms.

Joseph Wayne Bowser, 34, is facing charges of:

• trafficking in firearms
• four counts of possession of a firearm, prohibited or restricted weapon obtained by crime
• possession of a restricted firearm with accessible ammunition
• four counts of possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
• four counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm
• six counts of possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace
• store firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations
• disguise with intent
• smuggling
• three counts of failure to comply with conditions of a court order
• three counts of disobeying order of court
• 18 counts of possession of a firearm contrary to a court order
• two counts of unauthorized import/export of weapons
• possession of computer data that pertain to a firearm

Kyra Heather Elizabeth Cooper, 19, was charged with:

• trafficking in firearms
• four counts of possession of a firearm, prohibited device or ammunition obtained by crime
• possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
• four counts of possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
• four counts of unauthorized possession of firearm
• six counts of possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace
• handle firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations
• careless use of a firearm or weapon
• two counts of unauthorized import/export of weapons

The unnamed 70-year-old man was charged with:

• unauthorized possession of firearm
• possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
• possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon
• possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace
• careless use of a firearm or weapon

All three of the accused are scheduled to appear in court at a later date. 

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