Project Red Zone seizes 23 guns — including 1 linked to homicide — in Peel police crackdown

The Peel Regional Police (PRP) conducted a major firearms operation, Project Red Zone, leading to the seizure of 23 guns from the streets. Among these firearms, one was traced back to a homicide in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich revealed the results of this investigation during a press conference on Tuesday, emphasizing that more than half of the recovered weapons had been used in shootings across the region.

One firearm had caused significant injuries to a victim who will suffer from these injuries for the rest of their life.

Detective Sergeant Mark Mazzocato detailed that 15 of the seized firearms were prohibited in Canada and originated from the United States. These firearms were linked to 14 shootings in the GTA. Over 800 grams of cocaine and 951 rounds of ammunition were also seized during the operation. Four individuals were arrested and charged through Project Red Zone.

Stephen Prakash Consala, 24, from Scarborough, faces the most serious charges, including 23 counts of firearms trafficking. Akshaya Srikanthan, 24, from Ajax, and Sammy Shaik, 28, from Mississauga, were also arrested and face multiple counts of firearms and controlled substance trafficking. Janoj Dhayabaran, 23, from Toronto, was among those held pending a bail hearing.

PRP identified the four accused individuals as Stephen Prakash Consala, Akshaya Srikanthan, Sammy Shaik, and Janoj Dhayabaran. Consala and Dhayabaran remain in custody, while Srikanthan and Shaik were released and are set to appear in court at a later date. Mazzocato highlighted that each firearm recovered played a crucial role in interrupting the cycle of gun violence before further offenses could occur.