The second of two Duncan-based gang associates charged with weapons offences has been sentenced to three years in prison.
Luke Gregory Massey, 35, was charged with one count of possession for the purpose of weapons trafficking and one count of reporting that an offence was committed when it was not.
The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, which targets B.C.’s gangs, said Massey was working as a “straw purchaser” for firearms — someone who legally purchases firearms for someone who cannot.
Massey pleaded guilty and was sentenced last week.
His associate, Jason Donald Whyte, 45, was sentenced to eight years in prison in September 2016.
He was found guilty of one count each of possession for the purpose of weapons trafficking, possession of a loaded or prohibited firearm, possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized and possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order.
Whyte was arrested by gang enforcement officers in August 2013 as he walked out of a Surrey home with two bags that contained six brand-new hand guns still in their packaging.
Another five guns, body armour, ammunition, parts and suppressers were found inside the home.
Several of the guns had their serial numbers filed off.
Massey was arrested in October 2013 for selling guns illegally. A search of his Duncan home turned up 10 firearms, prohibited firearms-related devices and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
“These guilty pleas demonstrate the persistence of law enforcement to ensure that an investigation is successful from start to finish and two dangerous individuals who viewed themselves as above the law were put in jail,” said Sgt. Brenda Winpenny of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit.
“Not only were two dangerous individuals taken off our streets, but so too were weapons with the potential to bring violence into our communities.”
