A former Manitoba MP and Dauphin mayor has been arrested following a months-long firearm trafficking investigation.

Inky Mark, 78, is facing a slew of charges, including firearm trafficking, possession of a firearm with a tampered serial number and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

Mark’s arrest comes after a lengthy investigation that began in March when RCMP learned of firearm-related charges laid in the United States against a 73-year-old man from the Dauphin area.

While executing a search warrant related to this case, Mounties said they found and seized guns that were bought by a second suspect but never lawfully transferred.

On July 7, officers executed two search warrants at the home of the second suspect, who has been identified as Inky Mark. During this search they seized 439 guns, ammunition, and antique cannon and over $300,000.

Police expect it will take several more weeks to document the evidence and determine how many of the guns were illegally possessed. At this point, Mounties have determined that at least three guns were illegally trafficked and one had its serial number tampered with.

Mark has been released from custody on a release order. He has no previous criminal convictions and has a court date set for Aug. 11 in Dauphin, according to a spokesperson for the courts.

The investigation continues. The charges have not been proven in court.

Mark served as mayor of Dauphin from 1994 to 1997 and MP for Dauphin – Swan River – Marquette from 1997 to 2010.