An extensive investigation into a local street gang’s criminal activities revealed connections to firearms trafficking. This led Peel Regional Police to uncover a significant firearms trafficking network, elevating the investigation to a Joint Forces Project named “Project Chrome.” This investigation marks the largest illegal firearms seizure in the history of Peel Regional Police.
Since September 2023, the Specialized Enforcement Bureau has been investigating a group trafficking illegal firearms from the United States and distributing them across the Greater Toronto Area.
Ten individuals have been arrested and charged with 185 Criminal Code offenses. Over 70 illegal firearms, large quantities of ammunition, and illicit narcotics have been seized as part of the investigation.
Chief Nishan Duraiappah of Peel Regional Police stated, “This type of criminality poses great risk to the safety and well-being of everyone and has often had tragic implications in our communities. We are proud of the investigative work that has made this project a great success and removed dozens of illegal firearms and drugs from our streets. Peel Regional Police will continue working with law enforcement partners to find, arrest, and charge those compromising our safety and security.”
The successful completion of this Joint Forces investigation was made possible with assistance from the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO), funded by the Ontario Government and Ministry of the Solicitor General. The investigation involved partnerships with the Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto Police Service, York Regional Police, Halton Regional Police, Durham Regional Police, and Canada Border Services Agency. Investigators collaborated with the United States Homeland Security Investigations Border Enforcement Task Force – Detroit, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Detroit Field Division. Additional assistance was provided by the London Police Service and Hamilton Police Service.
Project Chrome results:
- 10 individuals arrested
- 185 Criminal Offence charges laid
- 71 firearms (67 handguns and four rifles) seized
- Approximately 180 rounds of ammunition and several prohibited extended magazines seized
- 5.5 kilograms of cocaine seized
- 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl seized
- A quantity of crack cocaine and Xanax pills seized
- The estimated street value of the seized drugs is over $1,000,000
Individuals arrested and charged:
- Orlando Thomas, 38, from Brampton: Charged with multiple offenses including Firearms Trafficking, Possession of a Firearm Without a Licence, Possession of a Prohibited Device, and Possession of a Loaded Prohibited Firearm.
- Conrad Mullings, 53, from Toronto: Charged with offenses including Firearms Trafficking, Possession of a Firearm Without a Licence, Possession of a Prohibited Device, Possession of a Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order, Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Property Obtained By Crime, and Trafficking a Controlled Substance.
- Hamisi Stanley, 44, from London: Charged with Firearms Trafficking, Possession of a Firearm Without a Licence, Possession of a Prohibited Device, and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.
- Kevin Dias, 45, from Hamilton: Charged with Firearms Trafficking, Possession of a Firearm Without a Licence, Possession of a Prohibited Device, and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.
- Jordan Richards, 30, from Thornhill: Charged with Firearms Trafficking, Possession of a Firearm Without a Licence, and Possession of a Prohibited Device.
- Omar Ranger, 45, from Toronto: Charged with Firearms Trafficking, Possession of a Firearm Without a Licence, Possession of a Prohibited Device, and Careless Storage of a Firearm.
- Shelldon Stewart, 41, from Leamington: Charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and Possession of Proceeds of Crime.
All were held for bail hearings and attended the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.
Additionally:
- Adam Kerr, 34, from Toronto: Charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.
- Garfield Morrison, 53, from Vaughan: Charged with Conspiracy to Commit the Indictable Offence of Trafficking CDSA.
- Michael Bell, 59, from Mississauga: Charged with Firearms Trafficking.
These individuals were released on conditions and will attend the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date.
Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to contact Peel Regional Police Specialized Enforcement Bureau at 905-453-2121 Ext. 3515. Information may also be provided anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.
