Explosives charges laid against Okanagan man after busts in Oyama, West Kelowna

VANCOUVER – A 36-year-old Oyama man faces explosives and weapons charges, nearly six months after he was arrested in the Okanagan for allegedly possessing and making explosive devices.

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit says John Neufeld faces a total of four charges, including one count of possession of an explosive substance, after raiding homes in Oyama and West Kelowna last September.

Police say they seized bomb-making equipment ranging from modified timers and batteries to wired wooden boxes and dismantled shotgun shells, although no full-built bombs or explosive devices were found.

Weapons including several compound bows, a crossbow and over-capacity magazines were also seized.

Police say the investigation centres on possible gang-related criminal activity and there is no indication that the explosives or weapons were linked to terrorism or extremism.

Neufeld is not in custody and has been ordered to appear before a provincial court judge in Kelowna on April 28.