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42 Arrested, 442 Criminal Charges Laid, and 173 Guns Seized in Cross-Border Gun Trafficking Investigation

Posted by voiceusa April 11, 2023

The Toronto Police Service was joined by other Ontario police services and Canadian and American law enforcement agencies to announce the results of a major firearm trafficking investigation.

Authorities have announced that a yearlong cross-border gun trafficking investigation has resulted in the arrest of 42 individuals, 442 criminal charges, and the seizure of 173 guns in Canada and the United States. The operation, known as “Project MoneyPenny,” was conducted by a joint task force, including Toronto police, York Regional Police, Durham Regional Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, the Canada Border Services Agency, and the American Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Investigators have seized firearms, ammunition, drugs, and accessories during the operation.

Police said that the guns being smuggled into Canada were originally purchased legally in Florida, Ohio, Arizona, North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas. Once across the border, the guns can be sold for up to a 500% markup, and they end up being sold to different individuals and organized crime groups. The investigation led to the seizure of 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl and 1.8 kilograms of cocaine, which carry a street value of $300,000 and $190,000, respectively.

Cross-border gun trafficking is a significant problem, and authorities are battling to address the issue. Guns that cross the border are often used in violent crimes, which can result in the loss of life. While investigators have made significant progress in this case, there is still much work to be done to curb the flow of illegal guns across the border. Law enforcement agencies must continue to work together to detect, investigate, and prevent the smuggling of firearms and other illegal activities across the border.

Forty-two people were arrested and 422 criminal charges laid following a year-long cross-border investigation known as Project Moneypenny, which also saw illegal narcotics, cash, and 173 firearms seized in Canada and the United States.

Project Moneypenny was initiated in March 2022 by the Toronto Police Service’s Integrated Gun & Gang Task Force – Firearms Enforcement Unit, with the assistance of the Toronto Drug Squad and Intelligence Services.

In July 2022, the York Regional Police Guns, Gangs and Drug Enforcement Unit (GGDEU) started Project Zorro.

During the initial phases of both projects, undercover officers successfully purchased quantities of fentanyl, cocaine and 25 firearms from identified persons.

The majority of the firearms seized from both investigations came from the United States.

In September 2022, with the help of Criminal Intelligence Services Ontario (CISO) and Firearms Analysis and Training Enforcement (FATE), the two investigations were combined to maximize the potential for a positive investigative outcome. The joint investigation focused on dismantling the smuggling network and identifying and prosecuting those responsible.

With funding provided by CISO, the Toronto Police Service and York Regional Police partnered with:

  • The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS)
  • The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) – Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit (PWEU) and the Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team
  • US Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
  • The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

It is alleged that:

  • Individuals were involved in illicit firearms sales in Toronto and the GTA
  • These individuals sold illegal firearms to undercover officers
  • The majority of the firearms were being smuggled into Canada from the United States and then sold illegally
  • Eighty-seven handguns were seized in Chicago, Illinois, in a vehicle driven by a resident from Arizona, which were destined for Canada
  • The seized firearms originated in Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, and Texas
  • Several of the firearms sold to undercover officers were domestically sourced
  • These individuals were also selling narcotics, including fentanyl, carfentanil, and cocaine

Between November 2022 and March 2023, 42 people were arrested and 49 search warrants executed in Toronto, Peel Region, and Durham Region.

In total, investigators seized:

  • 86 firearms (75 handguns/11 long guns) in the GTA
  • 87 firearms (all handguns) in Illinois, United States
  • 45 over capacity magazines
  • 1,454 rounds of ammunition
  • 3 auto switches
  • 3 sets of body armour
  • approximately 1.5 kilos of fentanyl/carfentanil, with a street value of approximately $300,000
  • approximately 1.8 kilos of cocaine, with a street value of approximately $190,000
  • approximately $184,000 in proceeds of crime

Please see below for a list of the accused and charges laid.

All arrested parties have appeared in court and will be remanded to the New Toronto Court House on Friday, April 14, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

QUOTES:

“Thanks to the dedicated efforts of law enforcement agencies in Canada and the United States, we have effectively disrupted criminal organizations and their illicit activities. I want to thank our law enforcement partners, and members of the Toronto Police Service, in particular the Service’s Integrated Gun & Gang Task Force, the Toronto Drug Squad, and Intelligence Services, for their ongoing commitment to keeping our communities safe.”

-Deputy Chief Rob Johnson, Toronto Police Service

“The goal for every agency here is to keep our citizens safe. Rest assured we will not be deterred from this goal. My sincere thanks to each and every officer, from all participating services, who worked diligently during this investigation to bring it to this successful conclusion.”

-Deputy Chief Alvaro Almeida, York Regional Police

“Project Moneypenny is just another example of incredible joint forces work that has resulted in a significant positive outcome in removing illegal guns and drugs off our streets and bringing those involved to justice.”

-Deputy Chief Dean Bertrim, Durham Regional Police Service

“Today, our communities are safer as dangerous guns are taken off the streets. The success of this investigation lies in the coordinated approach of the partners, including the members of the OPP Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit. Together we have sent a clear message that we will identify and pursue individuals who endanger the public.”

-OPP Chief Superintendent Paul Mackey, Commander of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau

“The Canada Border Services Agency works closely with our local and international law enforcement partners, and other government departments in Canada. Our Intelligence and Investigations Operation Division plays a key role in the identification of border-related risks and in protecting the safety and security of Canadians.”

-Lisa Janes, CBSA Regional Director General of the Greater Toronto Area Region

“The success of Operation Moneypenny showcases our joint efforts to stem the flow of illegal firearms into Canada. We are proud of ATF’s work in this investigation and honored to team with our Canadian law enforcement partners to reduce violent gun crime.”

-Chris Taylor, ATF Attaché to Canada

—————

Arrests and Charges

Aly Youssef, 22, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distributing
  2. Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
  3. Offer to Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  4. two counts of Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
  5. Possession of Firearm Knowing Serial Number has been Altered, Defaced or Removed
  6. four counts of Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
  7. two counts of Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
  8. two counts of Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
  9. Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  10. Transfer Restricted Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  11. Three counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
  12.  four counts of Traffic in a Schedule I Substance

Kayla Armstrong, 34, of Barrie, was charged with:

  1. two counts of Possession of a Substance included in Schedule I

*Young Person #1, 17, of Barrie, was charged with:

  1. Failure to Comply with Order
  2. Possession of a Weapon
  3. Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
  4. Possession of Firearm while Prohibited
  5. Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
  6. Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking

Karson Benjamin, 18, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. Assault
  2. two counts of Deface Serial Number on a Firearm
  3. nine counts of Offer to Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  4. 23 counts of Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
  5. Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
  6. two counts of Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
  7. two counts of Transfer Non‐Restricted Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  8. 24 counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  9. two counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
  10. five counts of Traffic in a Schedule I Substance

Joseph Blasko, 43, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. three counts of Careless Use of Firearm
  2. three counts of Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  3. five counts of Transfer Non‐Restricted Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  4. four counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking

Jeffrey Tai-Long Chen, 22, of  Markham, was charged with:

  1. Fail to Comply with Probation Order
  2. Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
  3. Possession of Firearm Knowing Serial Number has been Altered, Defaced or Removed
  4. two counts of Possession of Firearm while Prohibited
  5. Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
  6. Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  7. two counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking

Anthony Colley, 19, of Whitby, was charged with:

  1. Offer to Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  2. Offer to Transfer Restricted Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  3. Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
  4. 11 counts of Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  5. Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
  6. Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
  7. two counts of Transfer Non‐Restricted Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  8. 10 counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  9. nine counts Traffic in a Schedule I Substance

Raevon Conger, 21, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. two counts Failure to Comply with Order
  2. Possession of Prohibited Weapon Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  3. Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
  4. Robbery
  5. two counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
  6. Possession of a Schedule IV Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
  7. Traffic in a Schedule I Substance

Dequan Demos, 20, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
  2. Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  3. Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
  4. Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Firearm
  5. Unauthorized Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle

Keanu Ebanks, 22, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. Careless Storage Ammunition
  2. Carry Concealed Weapon
  3. Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
  4. Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  5. Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
  6. Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Firearm

Urijah Frater, 25, of no fixed address, was charged with:

  1. Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distributing
  2. Assault Peace Officer
  3. Escape Lawful Custody
  4. five counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
  5. two counts of Traffic in a Schedule I Substance

Andrew Gayler, 18, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. two counts of Deface Serial Number on a Firearm

George Shania, 20, of no fixed address, was charged with:

  1. three counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized

Haseeb Hamidi, 23, of Pickering, was charged with:

  1. Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  2. Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized

*Young Person #2, 17, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
  2. Possession of Firearm while Prohibited
  3. Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  4. Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition

Yusuf Heruy, 21, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distributing
  2. two counts of Weapons Trafficking
  3. three counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking

Qais Homayonoor, 28, of Whitby, was charged with:

  1. Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
  2. Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  3. Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
  4. Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  5. Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Firearm
  6. Unauthorized Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle

Qasim Homayonoor, 27, of Whitby was charged with:

  1. Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
  2. Fraud Over $5000
  3. Offer to Transfer Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  4. three counts of Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  5. eight counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  6. three counts of Transfer Restricted Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  7. Offer to Traffic in a Schedule I Substance
  8. four counts of Traffic in a Schedule I Substance

Deandre Joseph, 20, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. three counts of Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  2. 12 counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  3. Traffic in a Schedule I Substance

D’Andre Junior, 19, of Barrie, was charged with:

  1. Failure to Comply with Order
  2. two counts of Possession of Firearm while Prohibited
  3. three counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized

Maaz Kagzi, 23, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distributing
  2. Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
  3. three counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking

Samee Khan, 27, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1.  two counts of Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  2.  five counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized

Dion Langford, 26, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
  2. Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  3. Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
  4. Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Firearm
  5. Unauthorized Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle

Naveen Lotfi, 22, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. two counts of Offer to Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  2. 14 counts of Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
  3. two counts of Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
  4. Transfer Non‐Restricted Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  5. 23 counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  6. Unauthorized Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle
  7. Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
  8. five counts of Traffic in a Schedule I Substance

Tyrone Lothian, 23, of no fixed address, was charged with:

  1. three counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized

Malcolm Mahamoud, 22, of York, was charged with:

  1. two counts of Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
  2. two counts of Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  3. two counts of Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
  4. Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
  5. Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  6. two counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking

Michael Maharaj, 22, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. two counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
  2. two counts of Traffic in a Schedule I Substance

Shaquille Mitchell, 27, of Ajax, was charged with:

  1. Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
  2. Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  3. Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
  4. Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
  5. Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Firearm
  6. Unauthorized Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle
  7. Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
  8. Traffic in a Schedule I Substance

Jamar Morin, 23, of Pickering, was charged with:

  1. Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
  2. two counts of Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  3. Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
  4. Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  5. Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking

Javon Morin, 21, of Pickering, was charged with:

  1. Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
  2. Traffic in a Schedule I Substance

Jerell Morin, 18, of Pickering, was charged with:

  1. Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
  2. Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
  3. Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking

Devaine Nelson, 30, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. two counts of Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
  2. two counts of Possession of Firearm while Prohibited
  3. Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  4. two counts of  Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
  5. Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
  6. Unauthorized Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle

Nilu Patel, 22, of East Gwillimbury, was charged with:

  1. two counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
  2. two counts of Traffic in a Schedule I Substance

Breanne Pitchenese, 28, of Winnipeg, was charged with:

  1.  four counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking

Crystal Reppard, 40, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. Traffic in a Schedule I Substance

Damon Rolph, 28, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
  2. three counts of Transfer Prohibited Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized
  3. Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
  4. two counts of Traffic in a Schedule I Substance

Mohammad Salehzada, 18, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. Disobey Court Order
  2. two counts of Failure to Comply with Order
  3. Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
  4. three counts of Possession of Firearm while Prohibited
  5. Unauthorized Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle

Elijah Sargeant, 24, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. Possession of Firearm while Prohibited
  2. Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  3. Transfer Restricted Firearm while Knowingly Not Being Authorized

Scott Syril, 36, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. two counts of  Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
  2. Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  3. two counts of Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
  4. Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
  5. Unauthorized Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle

Hamza Tariq, 27, of Ajax, was charged with:

  1. two counts of Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
  2. two counts of  Possession of Firearm while Prohibited
  3. Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  4. two counts of Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
  5. Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
  6. Unauthorized Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle
  7. two counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking

*Young Person #3, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. Careless Use of Firearm
  2. Possession of a Weapon
  3. Unauthorized Possession of a Non‐Restricted Firearm

Andrew Trottier, 27, of Barrie, was charged with:

  1. Possession of Property or Proceeds Obtained by Crime
  2. Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
  3. Possession of a Substance included in Schedule I