The Peel Regional Police Strategic and Tactical Enforcement Policing (STEP) team has achieved a record-breaking year in 2024, seizing over twice as many illegal firearms as last year and tripling the numbers compared to 2022. This unprecedented effort underscores the team’s commitment to tackling gun and gang violence in Mississauga and Brampton.
In 2024, STEP seized:
- 53 illegal firearms
- 63 magazines
- 915 rounds of ammunition
Of the firearms, 41 were traced back to the United States, with tracing efforts ongoing for the remaining 12. The initiative also resulted in 50 arrests, 461 Criminal Code charges, and 40 drug-related charges.
Regional Councillor and Chair of the Community Services Committee, Rowena Santos, commended the initiative’s success:
“Gun and gang violence has no place in our city. I fully support Peel Regional Police and the STEP initiative to keep our neighbourhoods secure. The safety of our residents remains my top priority. This record-breaking year demonstrates the hard work and dedication of our officers in making our communities safer.”
She added:
“Programs like STEP show that with the right support and funding, we can make a tangible difference. I encourage all residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police. Together, we can continue to reduce gun violence and build safer neighbourhoods for everyone.”
Chief Nishan Duraiappah of Peel Regional Police emphasized the impact:
“The alarming increase in illegal firearms is a serious risk to public safety. I commend our officers for their tireless efforts to remove these weapons. On average, an illegal firearm is seized every 36 hours, highlighting our commitment to public safety.”
This year, Peel Regional Police seized a total of 205 illegal firearms, a substantial increase from 143 in 2023, including a historic single seizure of 71 firearms during Project Chrome in June. The STEP initiative continues to operate in high-risk areas to suppress gang activity and promote community safety.
STEP, introduced in 2007 with provincial funding, received an additional $1.5 million over three years from Ontario’s Gun and Gang Strategy in 2022. Solicitor General Michael Kerzner lauded the program:
“We are determined to support proactive programs like STEP that ensure community safety.”
Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform and MPP for Brampton North, Graham McGregor, added:
“Getting illegal guns off our streets is essential. Our government is proud to stand with Peel Police as they work to protect our communities.”
Peel Police urge residents with information related to illegal firearms to contact the Specialized Enforcement Bureau at (905) 453-2121, extension 3504, or provide anonymous tips via Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at peelcrimestoppers.ca.
The record-breaking success of STEP demonstrates what can be achieved through continued investment in policing and community partnerships to ensure safer neighbourhoods across the Peel Region.