Peel Regional Police seized a staggering 205 illegal firearms in 2024—one every 36 hours—marking a record high and a 72% increase in shootings linked to these weapons in Mississauga and Brampton. Nearly all of the guns were smuggled into Canada from the U.S., prompting Peel police to issue an urgent plea to the federal government for stronger border security measures to curb the flow of illegal firearms into Ontario communities.
Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah emphasized the critical need for a coordinated, intelligence-led approach to combat organized crime and firearms trafficking. “The safety of our communities depends on immediate and decisive action to stop the influx of illegal guns,” Duraiappah said in a news release. “While we applaud recent efforts to tackle drug trafficking, firearms smuggling demands equal attention and resources.”
The Peel Police Service Board echoed this sentiment, calling on Ottawa to expand border security initiatives to specifically target gun smuggling. Board Chair Nando Iannicca stressed that the majority of gun crimes in Canada involve illegal firearms smuggled across the border. “We cannot afford to overlook this issue,” Iannicca said. “Peel is ready to partner with the federal government in any way necessary to strengthen these efforts and protect our communities.”
The alarming rise in gun violence has been directly linked to the surge in illegal firearms. In 2024, the 205 seized guns were connected to 147 shootings in Mississauga and Brampton alone—a 72% increase from the previous year. Police also revealed that nearly 100% of carjackings and home invasions in Peel involve illegal guns smuggled from the U.S.
In a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Public Safety Minister David McGuinty, and Justice Minister Arif Virani, the Peel Police Service Board urged the federal government to prioritize disrupting firearms smuggling and offered operational support, including the potential use of a new hangar facility to enhance policing capabilities.
As gun violence continues to threaten the safety of Peel residents, local authorities are calling for immediate action to secure Canada’s borders and prevent further harm to communities across the region.