Peel Regional Police have reached a grim milestone in 2026, seizing their 60th illegal firearm during a traffic stop in Brampton on Sunday, June 21. The seizure comes amid a bloody month of June that has seen two Canadian police officers murdered and several others wounded in shootings across the country.
Traffic Stop Leads to Loaded Handgun Seizure
According to Peel police, officers conducted a traffic stop near Hurontario Street and Sir Lou Drive in Brampton at approximately 4:30 p.m. on June 21. During the investigation, officers located a loaded handgun and a magazine containing ammunition. Investigators from Road Safety Services and the 22 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau seized the illegal handgun and charged Michael Lawrence, 37, of Toronto, with unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, and several other charges, which have not yet been tested in court.
Deputy Chief Marc Andrew confirmed the milestone, stating, “This was our 60th gun seizure of 2026.”
Deadly June for Canadian Police
The seizure highlights the ongoing danger faced by law enforcement. This June alone, five officers have been shot or fired upon across Canada. Toronto Police Constable Marc Pinizzotto, 43, and Montreal Constable Mohamad Lamine Benredouane, 34, were murdered. A Montreal officer remains fighting for her life after being shot, two RCMP officers were wounded in Saskatchewan, and a Peel officer was shot at over the weekend. Three officers remain hospitalized, and one officer narrowly avoided death by an inch.
In a separate incident on June 21, Isaiah Bachoo, 24, of Brampton, was charged with discharging a firearm with intent and possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm. Bachoo was on multiple court-ordered firearms prohibitions stemming from previous firearm-related convictions in Thunder Bay in 2023.
Police Chief Calls for Stronger Bail and Sentencing
Peel Chief Nishan Duraiappah emphasized the dangers officers face daily. “This is another stark reminder of the dangers our officers face every day while on the front lines working to keep our communities safe,” he said. “We are grateful the officer was not seriously injured and that no members of the public were harmed.”
Duraiappah added, “This is another example of the cycle of violent crime that continues to impact our communities and must be stopped. We continue to advocate for stronger bail and sentencing to better manage repeat violent offenders like this and reduce the risk they pose to our communities.”
Alarming Rate of Gun Seizures in Peel Region
Peel Region has seen an average of at least two illegal guns seized every week in 2026. The 60th seizure underscores the prevalence of illegal firearms on Canadian streets. While these guns have been removed from circulation, the recent police funerals highlight that many more remain in the hands of criminals.
