Ten Firearms Seized Last Week

In a 24-hour span last week, Toronto Police seized four firearms and a quantity of drugs and cash and a total of 10 in a one-week span.

In the last month, the Integrated Gun & Gang Task Force (IGGTF) alone seized 17 firearms.

“These recent arrests are just a sampling of the great work being done by the men and women of the Integrated Gun & Gang Task Force,” said Superintendent Paul MacIntyre who is the Organized Crime Enforcement Unit Commander. “The firearms we have seized don’t have the potential to harm anyone anymore. They can no longer be used to destroy lives or wreak havoc in communities.

On July 7 while investigating a male believed to have a firearm, Emergency Task Force (ETF) members executed a warrant in Scarborough.

During the search, they found a satchel with a loaded firearm and a quantity of drugs and Canadian currency.

A day later, IGGTF members located two large rifles and a loaded handgun with an overcapacity magazine.

Three accused were charged in relation to the firearms. One of them had a license for the rifles, but they were not properly stored.

There was no license for the handgun.

MacIntyre said seizing guns is only one piece of the puzzle. 

“Investigators are actively targeting those offenders who are carrying illegal firearms committing these discharges & shootings,” he added. “They’re solving many recent – and historic shootings.  We work closely with forensic investigators to solve these crimes. They’re an invaluable piece of the puzzle.  No stone is left unturned and no case is ever closed.

“The risk to investigators is high.  When you execute a search warrant where you believe weapons are stored - or approach someone you believe to be armed – you’re placing yourself at risk.  But it’s not just the IGGTF investigators taking this risk. Specialized Units such as the Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE), Toronto Drug Squad, ETF, Major Crime Units and primary response officers right across the city are all seizing illegal firearms in the course of their duties. It’s dangerous work, but important work.”

In the period July 7 to 14, Toronto police officers seized 10 firearms and laid 73 charges against 10 adults and a youth – three who were on bail releases.