Police seize 62 firearms following months-long investigation into criminal group
A months-long investigation into an alleged criminal enterprise has led to the arrest of six people and the seizure of 62 firearms that police say were “destined” for Toronto streets.
The investigation, dubbed ‘Project Barbell,’ began in the fall of 2021 after members of the Toronto Police Service’s Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force became aware of two individuals that were suspected of trafficking firearms within the city.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Police say that officers ultimately executed a series of search warrants at addresses and vehicles associated with the suspects on May 28 of this year.
The search warrants led to the seizure of 62 firearms and a large quantity of ammunition and firearm parts, including overcapacity magazines.
Police say that the “majority” of the firearms were seized following a search warrant that was executed at an apartment building near Ellesmere and Markham roads.
Police seized additional items, including a quantity of ammunition and a bullet proof vest, following the execution of separate search warrants at addresses in Scarborough and Rexdale.
Two of the suspects taken into custody were also found to be personally in possession of firearms at the time of their arrests, police say.
“While we are here to show the public the results of a successful investigation this is not a good news story,” Police Chief James Ramer said during a news conference at TPS headquarters on College Street on Monday morning. “We should all be disturbed by a gun seizure of this magnitude.”
Police say that many of the seized firearms are Glock-style pistols which can be purchased in the United States for under $1,000 and then resold on Toronto streets for between $4,500 and $6,000.
Of the 62 firearms seized, police say that they were able to trace 57 of them back to the United States.
Only one firearm originated in Ontario. It was determined to have been stolen during a break-and-enter in 2021.
“It is about return on investment,” Supt. Steve Watts said of the cross-border gun trade.
“If you are paying under $1,000, which you would be paying in the U.S., and you can turn that into $6,000 (upon resale), you are looking at about $5,000 profit per item.”
260 CHARGES LAID
Police have laid a total of 260 charges against the six suspects taken into custody as a result of “Project Barbell.”
One suspect, 27-year-old Syed Mohammed Ali Zaidi, is also facing additional charges in relation to a shooting that took place inside Bar Karma near Queen and Portland streets on Oct. 19, 2021.
“This incident happened in a crowded bar after an altercation between two opposing groups. Evidence at the time was circumstantial. Consequently, Mr. Zaidi was not charged at that time,” Watts said. “After he was arrested in relation to this project, our centralized shooting response team investigators were able to confirm him as their shooting suspect specifically by specific tattoos and physical descriptors.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.