Two Canadian citizens and a third man have been charged in the United States after authorities allegedly uncovered nearly 90 firearms during a traffic stop near New York, in what investigators describe as a major cross-border gun smuggling operation targeting Canada.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the FBI, the accused include Malik Bromfield, Faizan Ali and Kamal Salman.
Authorities allege the three men were travelling in a white Ford Explorer near Interstate 90 when New York State Police conducted a traffic stop after observing alleged traffic violations.
Investigators said the suspects provided inconsistent and evasive responses during questioning, prompting officers to investigate further.
Police claim one of the accused, Faizan Ali, consented to a roadside search during which officers allegedly discovered an expired Pakistani driving permit concealed on his person that was issued under another identity.
A police canine unit later alerted officers to the possible presence of contraband inside the vehicle, leading investigators to search luggage and other compartments.
Authorities allege officers discovered an unusually heavy suitcase containing a large cache of firearms, with additional weapons also found inside the SUV.
In total, investigators say nearly 90 firearms were seized, including 17 weapons that had reportedly been stolen.
The accused now face multiple U.S. federal charges, including firearm smuggling, unlicensed firearms dealing, transportation of stolen firearms and unlawful possession of firearms.
Officials say the smuggling charge alone carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years if convicted.
The case has also drawn attention in Hamilton after Hamilton police confirmed that Faizan Ali was already wanted in connection with a fatal motorcycle collision dating back to May 2021.
Police allege the weapons were intended to be transported into Canada, further highlighting growing concerns among law enforcement agencies about cross-border firearm trafficking between the United States and Canada.
Canadian authorities have repeatedly warned that illegal guns smuggled from the U.S. continue to fuel organized crime and gun violence in major Canadian cities.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not yet disclosed where the firearms were allegedly sourced or who may have been intended recipients in Canada.
All allegations remain unproven in court.