44 arrested, 187 charges laid in Toronto gun and drug probe

Toronto police have arrested and charged 44 individuals following a months-long investigation into illegal firearms, drug trafficking, and related criminal activities. According to CityNews, the investigation, conducted by 55 Division and known as "Project Matrix," combined several inquiries into firearms and drug offences. Global News reports the operation began on March 1 to target criminal activity within the city's east end.

A total of 187 charges have been laid, with CityNews reporting the most common offences include possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking, breach of probation, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and the handling or storage of a firearm. During the probe, police seized eight illegal firearms and 792 rounds of ammunition.

CityNews also noted that a significant amount of drugs were seized, including cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, MDMA, cannabis, LSD, and psilocybin. Superintendent David Correa, the 55 Division Unit Commander, stated that the division remains committed to working with community and policing partners to address crime and disorder.

Brief written by urgent.news from Global News, CityNews — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.