Surrey man wanted on weapons trafficking charges now behind bars

Marco Miguel Prata Matias in custody after showing up at Surrey courthouse for an unrelated matter.

Accused weapons dealer Marco Miguel Prata Matias is now in custody, two weeks after police asked for public assistance locating him. Below are some of the weapons seized from the Surrey man in March.

A Surrey man wanted on an array of weapons trafficking charges is now in custody.

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) issued a public plea in mid-July asking for assistance in finding Marco Miguel Prata Matias. The 24-year-old was wanted on 19 firearm trafficking and possession charges and police considered him armed and dangerous.

According to police, Matias showed up to Surrey Provincial Court on a separate matter on Aug. 2 (he faces unrelated assault and mischief charges) and was told at that time he’d have to remain in custody due to the multiple weapons warrants.

The investigation into Matias began in March, when gang task force officers seized a Glock 9-mm pistol, a semi-automatic KRISS rifle loaded with .45 calibre shells and an SKS rifle.

“In the hands of criminals, the guns he is alleged to have trafficked are extremely dangerous and we want him in custody before he can sell more,” said Sgt. Lindsey Houghton last month.

Matias’ next court date is Aug. 26.