Brampton(Canada)In a significant crackdown on illegal firearms and drug trafficking in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Peel Regional Police have arrested five individuals and laid nearly 160 charges as part of Project Sledgehammer. This extensive investigation, led by the Specialized Enforcement Bureau, targeted a network of individuals suspected of being involved in drug and firearm trafficking between July and September 2024.The joint operation, supported by Peel Regional Police, Waterloo Regional Police, York Regional Police, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), resulted in five residential search warrants across the GTA. The searches yielded a large cache of firearms and illegal weapons, including:
Five individuals have been arrested, facing nearly 160 charges combined. The firearms and drugs seized pose a serious threat to public safety, emphasizing the growing issue of illegal weapons fueling violent crime in the region.Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah expressed his gratitude to law enforcement teams for their relentless work in tackling illegal firearm and drug activity. “The widespread availability of illegal firearms represents an immediate and serious threat to the safety of our community,” Chief Duraiappah said. “Violent offenders are exploiting this access, fueling a dangerous cycle of crime that puts every resident at risk. We remain resolute in our mission to disrupt and dismantle these criminal networks.”Chief Duraiappah highlighted 2024 as a year of “unprecedented success,” noting record-breaking investigations, arrests, and charges related to violent crimes. He extended his appreciation to all officers involved for their dedication in this operation.