DURHAM REGION-Two teens have been arrested and charged in relation to illegal firearms investigation in Durham Region.
On January 20, 2023 PWEU members, as well as the Durham Regional Police Guns and Gangs Enforcement Unit and the Durham Regional Police Tactical Unit, executed search warrants at locations in Durham Region.
Officers say they seized a loaded handgun, an item used to illegally modify a handgun to make it fully automatic and several cell phones.
Two males, aged 17 and 18, were arrested.
One is charged with:
- Trafficking a prohibited device
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited device
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession of prohibited device obtained by crime
The other is charged with:
- Possession of a loaded restricted firearm,
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
- Carry a concealed weapon
- Possession of firearm obtained by crime
Both of the accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Oshawa at a later date. Their names cannot be released under the terms of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
“The mandate of the PWEU is to take enforcement action against persons involved in the illegal movement of firearms, ammunition and explosives. This includes smuggling, trafficking and possession of crime guns to reduce the flow of illegal weapons being made available to dangerous criminals in Ontario.” said the OPP in a press release.
