Guns Stopped at Border
On March 16, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) stopped and searched a vehicle crossing at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing after receiving information from investigators in the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force (IGGTF) Firearm Enforcement section.
The joint investigation, led by the IGGTF, involved the Canada Border Services Agency, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Canadian Liaison, Peel Regional Police Service, and the Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit.
"It is only through these partnerships that investigations of this nature come to a successful conclusion," said TPS Detective Constable Graham Knill, one of the lead investigators along with Detective Tim Wilson.
It is alleged a search of a van at the border resulted in the seizure of six concealed handguns and another handgun was found on the man. Two inert hand grenades, ammunition, over-capacity magazines, and knives, were also located in the van.
Several lanes of the Rainbow Bridge were closed as a precautionary measure until the hand grenades were deemed safe by Niagara Regional Police Service officers.
IGGTF members executed search warrants on a home, seizing an additional 34 firearms, including 20 handguns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Investigators allege that five firearms smuggled into Canada by the accused, were recovered at crime scenes in Toronto and Peel Region, including one used in an attempted murder.
CBSA Regional Director General Southern Ontario Region Rick Comerford said the investigation is a great example of cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
"This seizure is an excellent example of the cooperation between CBSA, Toronto Police Services and other law enforcement agencies to keep guns off the streets of our communities," Comerford said.
Donald Earl Hare, 44, and Amanda Brent, 43, both of Proton Station, Ontario, have been charged with 73 firearm and firearm-trafficking related charges. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2526,
Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at 222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.
