News release

RCMP charge Dauphin male with weapons trafficking after firearms stolen in United States found at home

April 22, 2026 - Dauphin, Manitoba
From: Manitoba RCMP

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On March 23, Manitoba RCMP were notified by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that firearms charges had been laid in Minnesota against a Dauphin-area male after a handgun was stolen during a gun show two days earlier in Newfolden, Minn.

The suspect was arrested at the scene and a handgun was recovered from his bag by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office. The male was subsequently charged with felony theft. He was released on bail and returned to Canada on March 28.

Officers from the Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team (MILET) and the RCMP National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST) began investigating after learning stolen weapons may be located at the male’s residence, located in the RM of Dauphin. On April 15, MILET West officers – assisted by NWEST, the RCMP West District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team and Dauphin RCMP – executed a search warrant at the address.

Six handguns were recovered, at least two of which were identified as being stolen from the United States. None of the firearms were stored in compliance with regulations and several firearms were loaded.

Wilfred Kachurowski, 73, of Dauphin has been charged with seven firearms- and gun smuggling-related offences, including:

• Weapons trafficking;
• Importing weapons knowing they are unauthorized;
• Possession of a firearm when knowing possession is unauthorized.
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm;
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon;
• Possession of a restricted firearm; and
• Unsafe storage of fireams.

Kachurowski was remanded into custody.

The investigation continues.