Gun-related crime is at an all time high in Mississauga and Brampton reason why Peel Police calls Feds for assistance
The Peel Police Service Board requested a “comprehensive approach” to target firearms trafficking, including increased border screening for firearms, stronger penalties for gun smuggling, and greater cross-border collaboration.
This comes following the federal government’s commitment in January to enhance border security and fight drug trafficking, “Policing today requires a coordinated, intelligence- led approach to combat organized crime and the trafficking of both drugs and firearms,” said The Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah.
Peel Police calls Feds for a change in approach as gun-related crime is at an all time high in Mississauga and Brampton. Last year, 2024, was a record year for illegal firearms seizures in the Peel region, with an average of one gun seized every day. Peel Police’s Strategic Tactical Enforcement Policing (STEP) team collected 53 guns, 41 of which were traced back to the United States of America. Investigations are ongoing for the remaining 12.
According to the Peel Police Service Board, Peel Region’s position in the GTA as an international gateway and transportation hub makes it an ideal partner for the federal government and Canadian armed forces.
The Police Force is also in the process of acquiring an air hangar. This could position it well to collaborate with the federal government, given the government’s promise to deploy Black Hawk helicopters to help with border security.
In July 2024, The Peel Police participated in a successful Joint Forces investigation into cross-border firearms smuggling, which brought together GTA police forces, the Canada Border Services Agency and multiple American agencies including the Homeland Security Investigations Border Enforcement Task Force. “Project Chrome” resulted in the arrest of 10 individuals and the seizure of over 70 illegal guns, large amounts of ammunition, and illegal drugs.
