Last Updated: October 05, 2023, 14:37 IST
Peel Regional Police arrested and charged all 8 Sikh individuals with Firearm-related offences. (Representative image: Reuters)
Brampton arrests: Eight Sikh youths detained in a major arms crackdown, stirring concerns in the South Asian community. Learn more on CNN News18
Eight Canadian youngsters were arrested this week in Brampton, Ontario, and charged with firearm-related offences as part of a crackdown on arms storage by local law enforcement. Sources within the community confirmed to CNN News18 that all the detained individuals are of Sikh descent.
On Monday evening, police responded to reports of shots fired in the city that has a significant South Asian population, particularly Sikhs. During the police operation, eight individuals were taken into custody. A day later, a 9mm Beretta firearm was also confiscated from their residence.
The police operation was initiated based on information provided by a source associated with a local Gurudwara. Reports indicate that these individuals were allegedly involved in procuring weapons with the intent of threatening the community. All aged between 19 and 26 have been charged with “Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm.”
The crackdown comes in response to recent incidents of gunfire in the area, prompting heightened vigilance from local authorities. Another such shooting incident was reported recently in Surrey. While the culprits remain unidentified, local Sikhs have not been ruled out as potential suspects.
Notably, the police crackdown in Brampton is not linked to any Khalistani movements but instead focuses on illicit drugs and weapon operations. As local authorities continue to probe this matter further, this latest crackdown gives credence to the claims made by India about how Canada has become a hub of criminal activity.