Semi-automatic rifle, ammo and drugs seized in Vanier investigation

Two men are facing a slew of weapon and drug-related charges after the Ottawa Police Service searched a north Vanier apartment.

A search warrant was executed on Joffre-Belanger Way at about 1 p.m. on Thursday.

The OPS' Guns and Gangs Unit discovered a Simonov SKS 1945 semi-automatic rifle with ammunition and small amounts of pot and cocaine.

The SKS rifle was found inside a guitar case. Officers found 'spam cans' filled with 400 rounds of 7.62 mm x 39 mm Russian full metal jacket ammunition. 

Police also uncovered a “Streetwise Barbarian” stun flashlight.

Sean Villeneuve, 31, is charged with:

– Careless storage of a firearm
– Possession of a weapon (three counts)
– Unauthorized possession of a firearm
– Unauthorized possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
– Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
– Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition knowing its possession is unauthorized
– Possession of a firearm or restricted weapon obtained by crime (two counts)
– Possession for the purpose of trafficking in a schedule I substance
– Possession for the purpose of trafficking in a schedule II substance

A second man in the apartment was arrested and charged with four counts of failing to comply with a recognizance of bail.

“This investigation is just one example of our gun violence suppression efforts,” said Chief Charles Bordeleau. “Our covert and investigative units, including our PIVOT and our Frontline officers continue to seize weapons and make arrests. We know there is more work to do and we remain focused on this issue.”

So far this year, 39 guns have been seized by the OPS.