Toronto police say three suspects are in custody after investigators infiltrated a gun trafficking network through an undercover operation. Insp. Steve Matthews, of the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, said the months-long investigation, dubbed Project Playfight, began in February 2026 after officers received information about a person trafficking firearms through an online platform. “Members of the Integrated Gun and Gangs Task Force’s Firearms Enforcement Unit launched an undercover operation and began communicating online with the individual. Officers were introduced to additional individuals involved in the sale of firearms and provided with a list of firearms available for purchase,” he told reporters during a news conference on Tuesday. “What began as an investigation into one individual selling firearms online quickly grew into something much larger.” Matthews said officers subsequently uncovered a group that was allegedly supplying firearms “outside lawful channels.” “As the investigation progressed, the firearms were traced back to domestic sources, specifically an individual who was registered to possess firearms and was acting as the supplier,” he said. 15 firearms, ammo, gold bar recovered Matthews said police believe one suspect acted as the supplier while the other two took on the role of seller. On July 29, investigators, with the assistance of the Emergency Task Force and other specialized units, executed a series of search warrants in Toronto and Markham. Matthews said at that time, officers recovered 15 firearms, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, a device capable of converting a handgun into a fully automatic weapon, $7,000 in Canadian currency, and one 2.5g gold bar. “This investigation was about more the firearms seized or the charges laid,” Matthews added. “Every illegal firearm removed from circulation is one less firearm that can be used to threaten the safety of our communities.”
