In the fall of last year (2019), police received information regarding an individual who was importing prohibited devices, including devices capable of turning firearms into automatic firearms as well as sound suppressors. An investigation was initiated, and a search warrant was executed at an Edmonton residence and business. A total of 14 firearms were seized along with numerous prohibited (overcapacity) magazines. The seized firearms were examined by members of the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team, which revealed that some of the handguns seized may have been modified to fully automatic.
Police have charged 41-year-old Loren Habke with importing or exporting knowing it is unauthorized (prohibited device), tampering with a serial number on a firearm, and unauthorized possession of a prohibited device (x3) in relation to this investigation.
The EPS would like to thank the United States’ Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the RCMP and its National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST) and EPS’ Southwest Division for their collaborated assistance.