Drivers in B.C. transporting illegal firearms could soon face stronger penalties

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VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — Stronger rules aimed at curbing gang violence in B.C. include penalties for drivers caught transporting illegal firearms.

On Wednesday, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth tabled legislation giving police the power to impound cars used to transport weapons.

“For example, if a vehicle is fleeing police, they now have the ability –if they find unauthorized or illegal firearms– to be able to impound that weapon, along with other consequences that may well flow from the event that was taking place.”

But Farnworth adds if changes are approved they won’t impact “law-abiding” gun owners.

“So there’s a number of gaps that existed here in B.C. that this legislation is intended to fill and it’s based on the recommendations from the report that was done back in 2017.”

Other changes coming include making sure anyone buying body armour is finger-printed and all customers visiting a shooting range have to produce ID.

“This legislation is about ensuring that police have the tools and the structure, they need to prevent crime disrupt organized crime groups and gather evidence towards successful prosecution,” Farnworth adds.

Farnworth says tools promised to close several gaps needing to be filled and they’re based on recommendations made more than three years ago.

He’s not saying exactly what penalties are coming –except to suggest they will be “significant.”

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