Peel Police Seize Record Number of Illegal Firearms

Peel Regional Police have seized a record number of illegal firearms in 2024, with the Strategic and Tactical Enforcement Policing (STEP) team confiscating 53 guns, a significant increase from previous years. Of these, 41 firearms were traced back to the U.S., highlighting cross-border smuggling issues. Overall, Peel police reported seizing 205 illegal firearms this year, a notable rise from the 143 seized in 2023, and have made 50 arrests with 461 charges. Chief Nishan Duraiappah emphasized that the surge in illegal firearms presents a substantial threat to public safety, with guns being seized approximately every 36 hours. The increase in illegal guns has coincided with a rise in shootings, carjackings, and home invasions in the region. These developments come as the police seek a significant budget increase to continue addressing gun and gang violence effectively.