News release
Police arrest six people following warrant execution; seize weapons
June 25, 2026
-
Westville, Nova Scotia
From: Nova Scotia RCMP
On this page
Content
The Pictou County Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit (PCISCEU) arrested six people after executing a firearms-related search warrant in Westville.
Earlier in June, PCISCEU began an investigation after learning about a number of weapons at a residence in the 2100 block of Spring Garden Rd.
On June 23, PCISCEU, with assistance from the RCMP Critical Incident Program, RCMP Police Dog Services, Pictou County District RCMP, Stellarton Police Service, and Westville Police Service, executed a search warrant at the home.
Six individuals were safely arrested at the property.
As a result of the search, officers seized a .22 calibre rifle; a loaded sawed-off 20-gauge shotgun; a starter pistol; two pellet guns; a conducted energy weapon; a large quantity of ammunition; and a 3D printer.
Emily Jessica Barker, 33, of Colchester County; Stephen Grant Wood, 43, of Westville; and Ashley MacKenzie-Wright, 42, of Westville, have been charged with a number of firearms offences, including:
- Unauthorised Possession of a Firearm (two counts)
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Unauthorized (two counts)
- Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition (two counts)
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (two counts)
- Careless Storage of a Firearm or Ammunition
- Unauthorized Possession of Ammunition
- Possession of a Firearm while Knowing its Serial Number Has Been Removed (two counts)
Barker faces additional charges for failure to comply with conditions.
Barker was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in Pictou Provincial Court on July 13. Wood and MacKenzie-Wright were released on conditions and are scheduled to appear on July 13 and July 20, respectively.
Two of the three other people who were arrested were released on conditions. One person was released without charge.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Note: PCISCEU includes officers from Pictou County District RCMP, Westville Police Service, and Stellarton Police Service.
File #: 2026-837339