Toronto police announced the results of “Project Barbell” on Monday, an investigation into firearms trafficking.
The eight-month long investigation resulted in six arrests and the seizure of 62 guns.
In addition to the firearm investigation, one of the people arrested has also been identified as a suspect in a reckless shooting incident that happened in a crowded bar in October last year.
“Gun violence continues to be the most significant public safety concern for the people of Toronto,” Chief James Ramer. “Every one of these guns was destined for our streets; our communities. Toronto Police remain fully committed to working with our partner agencies, and all levels of government, on prevention and addressing root causes for those who are at-risk. But let me be clear, we are equally committed to targeting those who are high-risk; those who choose to carry and to use illegal guns in our neighbourhoods.”
These search warrants led to the seizure of:
- 62 firearms, including five AR-15 type firearms and three AK type firearms
- a large quantity of various calibres of ammunition and firearm parts
- proceeds of crime
- Overcapacity firearm magazines
- BMW X6
- BMW 4 Series
Syed Mohammed Ali Zaidi, 27, of Toronto, has been charged with:
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
- four counts of Possession for the Purpose of Weapon Trafficking
- 51 counts of Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
- Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order
- eight counts of Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order
- Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Michael Simpson, 29, of Toronto, has been charged with:
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
- Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
- three counts of Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition Knowing its Possession in Prohibited
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Syeda Tirmizi, 27, of Toronto, has been charged with:
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
- four counts of Possession for the Purpose of Weapon Trafficking
- 51 counts of Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted firearm
- eight counts of Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Shaheen Abdul, 62, of Toronto, has been charged with:
- 52 counts of Possession of a loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
- seven counts of Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
Syed Mohammed Ali Zaidi, 27, was also charged in a shooting that occurred at a bar last October.
He has been charged with:
- Discharge Firearm being Reckless as to the Life or Safety of Another Person
- Point Firearm
- Possession of a Restricted or Prohibited Firearm Without Holding a Licence and Registration Certificate
- Possession of a Restricted or Prohibited Firearm Knowingly Not Holding a Licence and Registration Certificate
- Possession of a loaded Regulated Firearm
- Possession of a Firearm While Prohibited
Police say they also arrested several parties not named in the investigation while executing the search warrants.
