Quebec police seize weapons, make arrest during poaching investigation

Quebec provincial police (SQ) officers worked with wildlife protection agents to arrest a man in Rawdon, Que. while seizing a cache of weapons. (SQ) (OlivierLeclerc)

While investigating a poaching case, Quebec provincial police (SQ) seized a cache of weapons, including a crossbow and arrested a man from Rawdon.

The SQ said in a news release the SQ officers out of the Matawinie station were called to assist wildlife protection officers on Jan. 14 after the agents went to investigate a poaching case on Berger Road and found firearms.

“A search warrant was obtained by SQ investigators to search the residence and its outbuildings,” the release said. “Some of the weapons were improperly stored and loaded.”

Rawdon resident Maxime Dumas-St-Jean, 36, was arrested for weapons possession while being subject to two-lifetime weapons prohibition orders, the SQ said.

He appeared in the Joliette courthouse on charges.

Police seized the following in the operation:

• 16 firearms (short and long);
• two loaded handguns;
• 12 air guns (short and long);
• 14 plastic cases filled with ammunition of various calibres;
• 1 unlocked crossbow.