Peel Regional Police Seizes the Largest Number of Illegal Firearms in its history
Region of Peel– An investigation into the criminal activities of a local street gang revealed ties to individuals involved in firearms trafficking. Peel Regional Police uncovered a firearm trafficking network and the investigation was elevated to a Joint Forces Project, dubbed “Project Chrome”. The investigation has resulted in the largest seizure of illegal firearms in the service’s history.
Peel Police Media Event
Since September 2023, the Specialized Enforcement Bureau has been investigating a group of individuals trafficking illegal firearms from the United States and distributing them across the Greater Toronto Area.
Media Photos
Ten individuals have been arrested and charged with 185 Criminal Code Offences. Over 70 illegal firearms, large amounts of ammunition, and illicit narcotics have been seized as part of the investigation.
“This type of criminality poses great risk to the safety and well-being of everyone, and too often has had tragic implications in our communities. We are proud of the investigative work that has made this project a great success and removed dozens of illegal firearms and drugs from our streets. Peel Regional Police will continue working with law enforcement partners to find, arrest, and charge those compromising our safety and security,” said Chief Nishan Duraiappah, Peel Regional Police.
The successful completion of this Joint Forces investigation was made possible through assistance from the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO), funded by the Ontario Government and Ministry of the Solicitor General. The investigation was in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto Police Service, York Regional Police, Halton Regional Police, Durham Regional Police, and Canada Border Services Agency. Investigators liaised with the United States Homeland Security Investigations Border Enforcement Task Force – Detroit, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Detroit Field Division. Further assistance was provided by the London Police Service and Hamilton Police Service.
Project Chrome results:
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- 10 individuals arrested
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- 185 Criminal Offence charges laid
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- 71 firearms 67 handguns and four rifles seized
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- Approximately 180 rounds of ammunition and several prohibited extended magazines seized
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- 5.5 kilograms of Cocaine seized
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- 1.5 kilograms Fentanyl seized
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- A quantity of Crack Cocaine and Xanex pills seized
The estimated street value of the drugs seized is over $1,000,000.
Read the Peel Regional Police Media Release
Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to contact Peel Regional Police Specialized Enforcement Bureau at 905-453-2121 Ext. 3515. Information may also be provided anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.
