Image: CFSEU-BC / A loaded sawed-off shotgun.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Criminal activity

Langley man sentenced for possession of prohibited weapons, including loaded sawed-off shotgun

Feb 23, 2026 | 9:36 AM

LANGLEY – Authorities say a 39-year-old Langley man has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after an investigation by the Combined Special Forces Enforcement Unit of B.C. led to the seizure of multiple firearms and prohibited weapons, including a sawed-off shotgun, body armour and a machete.

According to a statement from Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha, media relations officer for CFSEU-BC, a special task force officer with the Uniform Gang Enforcement Team conducted a traffic stop in Surrey on May 16, 2024 after noticing several modifications to a vehicle that ran contrary to the Motor Vehicle Act of B.C.

During the traffic stop, the driver was arrested for an unrelated offence. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of several weapons, including:

• A loaded prohibited handgun with an altered serial number

• A loaded sawed-off shotgun

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Criminal activity

Langley man sentenced for possession of prohibited weapons, including loaded sawed-off shotgun

2h ago

• Additional imitation firearms

• Ammunition

• A machete and bear spray

• Body armour

Body armour. (Image Credit: CFSEU-BC.)

Police say 39-year-old Stephen George Johnson was charged on Sept. 6, 2024, with multiple firearms-related offences. On July 9, 2025, Johnson pleaded guilty to possession of a loaded prohibited firearm without a licence and registration certificate.

A loaded prohibited handgun with an altered serial number. (Image Credit: CFSEU-BC.)

On February 13, 2026, Johnson was sentenced 30 months in prison. The court also imposed a ten-year firearms prohibition, a DNA order, and a forfeiture order in relation to the items seized by police in the course of the investigation.

“This arrest highlights our continued commitment to keeping illegal firearms off our streets,” said Sgt. Sangha. “The possession of a loaded prohibited firearm poses a significant risk to public safety.”