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Police say that there is nothing behind Abraham Friesen’s detention and charge. Friesen is the Mennonite from Shipyard who was charged with tampering with a firearm without the authorization of the commissioner of police. This is after police searched his home and found his licensed .223 rifle with a scope attached to it – which, apparently, is illegal to have on your gun without an “ok” from the Compol. Who knew, right?  

Indeed, it is a minor offense- and an unusual arrest. Today the police told us it was just part of standard search operation.

ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB
"Police acting on information visited the residence of Abraham Friesen at camp number 23 Shipyard village, Orange Walk district where a search was conducted which revealed a 223 semi-automatic rifle for which he had a license upon closer inspection of the rifle, it was found that a scope as attacked to rifle and as a result he was detained and consequently charged for interfering with a firearm without the permission of the commissioner of police and for which he appeared in the magistrates court yesterday and pleaded not guilty."

Courtney Weatherburne
"For this case I know that a relative was also detained, I believe a police or a constable but I believe he was released, he was found with extended clips? Clarify if that was the case?"

ACP Joseph Myvette
"Yes that is the case however the clip that was found was bought along with the weapon so no offense was disclosed in that investigation so he was eventually released without a charge."

Reporter
"Can you say how police got information about the gun being at his shipyard camp or?"

ACP Joseph Myvette
"Well it was an operation that was carried out, the weapon was indeed licensed."

Reporter
"What was the purpose of that operation, for drugs? Firearm? What?"

ACP Joseph Myvette
"I don’t know the nature of the search other than the police was carrying out operations in the Orange Walk district."

Reporter
"Is it only his home that was searched?"

ACP Joseph Myvette
"Anti-drug unit officers along with special patrol unit officers."

Reporter
"Is it only his home that was searched?"

ACP Joseph Myvette
"No, other homes were searched as well."

Our sources tell us that the police arrested Friesen and detained a relative of his because they feel the pair had specific knowledge of certain suspect activities in the north.  But, only the minor firearm charge arose to which Friessen pleaded not guilty.