Loaded gun seized during raid at alleged illegal North York cannabis dispensary, 2 charged

A loaded handgun that was allegedly seized during a raid in North York on March 8. (TPS photo)

Two Toronto men are facing several charges after a loaded gun was seized during a raid at an allegedly illegal cannabis dispensary in North York.

On Saturday, Toronto Police Service (TPS) executed a search warrant at a business near Jane Street and Sheppard Avenue West.

They say two men, who both appeared to be staff members, were located on the premises.

One of them then allegedly attempted to flee.

Both men were then arrested by officers, TPS said in a news release.

Police said they also seized a quantity cannabis products and Canadian currency as result of the execution of the Criminal Code Search warrant.

Investigators further allege that at the time of his arrest, one of the suspects was in possession of a loaded handgun.

Mohamed Ali, 29, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition, careless storage of firearm, possession of loaded restricted firearm, possession of ammunition knowing its possession is unauthorized, carry concealed weapon, disobeying order of the court, and fail to comply with probation order. The charges have not been proven in court. Ali was scheduled to appear in bail court on March 9.

Nam Nguyen, 19, also of Toronto, was arrested and charged with possession for the purpose of selling cannabis and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime. He has a May 8 court date.

Anyone with further information is asked to contact Toronto police at 416-808-3100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.