Delta police are investigating after a ferry passenger discovered a loaded RCMP service pistol in the cafeteria.
Delta police spokesperson Const. Ciaran Feenan confirmed that officers were called to the ferry, which had just arrived in Tsawwassen, on March 21 after a member of the public discovered the gun and turned it in to B.C. Ferries staff.
The pistol was found unattended in the cafeteria in a satchel-style bag with an extra ammunition clip by its side.
Feenan said once officers discovered it was a Mountie's weapon both the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner and the RCMP were notified.
He added that Delta is investigating any possible charges under the Criminal Code or Firearms Act, such as unsafe storage of a firearm.
The RCMP will handle any investigation or possible disciplinary action outside of that, he said.
RCMP Supt. Lorne Schwartz, who described the officer involved as a "somewhat seasoned member who supports investigations across the province," said he believed the officer was on duty at the time.
"The officer himself, once he realized this predicament, he immediately reported the matter to his supervisor in support services - and also to Delta [police] in hopes of recovering the pistol," he said.
Schwartz said any internal repercussions would have to wait until after the Delta police investigation is complete.
