by Jennifer Saltman/Special to the Langley Advance
A Langley man who earned the moniker “Dr. Frankenstein of weapons” by manufacturing and selling silencers and gun parts has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Bradley Michael Friesen, 39, appeared in B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster last week for sentencing. He previously pleaded guilty to 26 weapons-related charges.
The offences took place in Langley and Osoyoos in May, June and July of 2014.
In May 2014, law enforcement from Tucson, Ariz., contacted the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. (CFSEU-B.C.) about Friesen, whom they suspected of selling silencers and gun parts over the Internet that convert Glock pistols to fully automatic weapons.
Local authorities conducted surveillance and two months later searched Friesen’s home, truck and workshop in the 21000-block 95A Avenue in Langley, and his van and tent at an Osoyoos campground where he was vacationing with his young son.
Friesen was arrested and numerous firearms and firearms-related prohibited devices were seized from his van – including from under his son’s booster seat – and tent at the campground. Police seized weapons, silencers, books about making silencers, ammunition and tools from Friesen’s home and workshop.
A number of charges were laid against Friesen following a joint investigation. He is accused of selling Glock auto sears and switches, gun parts which convert Glock pistols to fully automatic and silencers through the internet.
Police said following his arrest that Friesen has a long criminal history that includes attempted murder with a firearm and drug and property offences. They also said he was connected to several mid-level B.C. crime groups.
The Crown had sought a sentence of 11.5 to 14 years, while the defence asked for six to nine years. Justice Frits Verhoeven imposed a global sentence of 10 years for all of the counts. Subtracting credit for time served since his arrest, Friesen has just over seven years left.
“We are pleased with the court’s decision and feel it should serve as both a warning and deterrent to those seeking to or actively engaged in similar activity,” said CFSEU-B.C. Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton.
At the time of Friesen’s arrest, police said he had been indicted in the U.S. and that prosecutors there would be seeking his extradition.
– Jennifer Saltman is a Vancouver Sun reporter.
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