The investigation, dubbed “Project Barbell,” began in the fall of 2021 after members of the Toronto Police Service’s Integrated Gun and Gang Team were tipped off about two people suspected of trafficking firearms within the city.
Police say officers eventually executed a series of search warrants at addresses and vehicles associated with the suspects on May 28 this year.
The search warrants led to the seizure of 62 firearms and a large quantity of ammunition and firearm parts, including overcapacity magazines.
Police say the “majority” of the firearms were seized after a search warrant was executed at an apartment building near Ellesmere and Markham streets.
Police seized additional items, including a quantity of ammunition and a bulletproof vest, after executing separate search warrants at addresses in Scarborough and Rexdale.
Two of the suspects taken into custody were also found to be in possession of personal weapons at the time of their arrest, police say.
“While we are here to show the public the results of a successful investigation, this is not good news,” Police Chief James Ramer said during a news conference at TPS headquarters on College Street Monday morning.  “We should all be disturbed by the seizure of weapons of this magnitude.”
Police say many of the seized firearms are Glock-style pistols, which can be purchased in the United States for less than $1,000 and then resold on the streets of Toronto for between $4,500 and $6,000.
Of the 62 firearms seized, police say they were able to trace 57 of them back to the United States.
Only one firearm originates from Ontario.  It was found to have been stolen during a break-and-enter in 2021.
“It’s about return on investment,” Supt.  Steve Watts said about the cross-border arms trade.
“If you’re paying under $1,000, which you would pay in the U.S., and you can turn that into $6,000 (at resale), you’re looking at about a $5,000 profit per item.”


260 charges 
Police laid a total of 260 charges against the six suspects who were taken into custody as a result of ‘Project Barbell’.
A suspect, 27-year-old Syed Mohammed Ali Zaidi, also faces additional charges in connection with a shooting that took place inside Bar Karma near Queen and Portland streets on October 19, 2021.
“This incident happened in a crowded bar after a fight between two rival groups.  Evidence at the time was circumstantial.  Accordingly, Mr. Zaidi was not charged at that time,” Watts said.  “Following his arrest in connection with this project, our central shooting team investigators were able to confirm him as a shooting suspect, specifically by specific tattoos and physical descriptors.”
For a full list of charges follow this link.