A major firearms seizure in Toronto’s west end has resulted in three teenagers facing a staggering 73 combined charges after police discovered multiple assault rifles, including an AK-47, during a search warrant execution on Wednesday.
The Toronto Police Service Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force made the alarming discovery while investigating a firearms trafficking operation in the Weston Road and Lawrence Avenue West area. Officers recovered a loaded AK-47 rifle, two AR-style rifles, and over 300 rounds of ammunition from a residence where the teens were apprehended.
“The weapons seized in this operation are military-grade firearms with devastating capabilities,” said Inspector James Rykerman during Thursday’s press conference. “These are not hunting rifles. They have no place on our streets and pose a significant danger to public safety.”
The seized AK-47, which police believe was smuggled from the United States, was fully loaded with a 30-round magazine. Forensic analysis is currently underway to determine if the weapons have been used in any unsolved shootings across the Greater Toronto Area.
Two 18-year-olds and one 17-year-old male, whose identities are being partially withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act, face numerous charges including possession of prohibited firearms, careless storage of ammunition, and possession for the purpose of weapons trafficking.
This seizure comes amid rising concerns about gun violence in Toronto, with firearms incidents increasing by 12% compared to the same period last year, according to Toronto Police data. City officials have called for stricter border controls to prevent weapons smuggling from the United States, which remains the primary source of illegal firearms in Canada.
Community activist Marlon Rodriguez, who runs a youth outreach program in the area, expressed his concern about the age of those involved. “When teenagers are accessing military-grade weapons, we need to ask ourselves serious questions about where our prevention strategies are failing,” Rodriguez told CO24 News.
Police believe the teens may be connected to a larger firearms trafficking network, and the investigation remains ongoing. Additional charges could be forthcoming as investigators examine electronic devices seized during the operation.
The three accused appeared at the Toronto West Courthouse on Thursday. The two adults were remanded into custody while the youth was released to his parents under strict conditions pending a future court date.
As our city confronts this troubling case, Torontonians must consider: what combination of enforcement, community support, and policy changes will effectively address the root causes drawing our youth toward gun violence and trafficking?
