Port Alberni RCMP seize guns, ammunition and explosives

On March 25, 2024 Front Line officers with Port Alberni RCMP responded to a 911 call at a residence in the 4800 block of Burde Street.

Officers entered the residence to check the well being of a woman, at which time they observed a large number of prohibited and restricted firearms and a significant amount of ammunition.

Front line officers in conjunction with the Port Alberni Major Crime and Crime Reduction Units obtained a search warrant for the residence which was conducted on March 26, 2024. During the search officers located more firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, as well as home made explosive devices and chemicals used in the production of explosives.

The RCMP’s Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) was called in from the mainland and shortly after 1:30 PM on Wednesday March 27, 2024, completed a controlled detonation at the residence.

Some of the items officers located in the residence were to unstable to be safely moved to another location, stated Constable Richard Johns. EDU made the decision that the safest option was to complete the controlled detonation at the residence.

48 year old Joseph Walczak has been charged with Failing to comply with release order and possession of a loaded prohibited firearm. Further charges are expected to be sworn in the following days. Walczak has been remanded in custody with a court date scheduled for March 28, 2024.

Although our investigation is on going we do not believe there is any risk to the public at this point.