A Richmond Hill man has been charged with multiple offences and an illegal handgun has been seized, along with a quantity of drugs, following a search of an apartment occupied by the man and his three children.
In May 2023, members of the Guns, Gangs and Drug Enforcement Unit began investigating a suspected drug trafficker. On Thursday, May 25, 2023, officers executed a search warrant at an address in the City of Richmond Hill.
Officers seized an illegal loaded 9mm Ruger handgun, as well as a quantity of cocaine and cash. The firearm was found wrapped in a sweater, in a child’s bedroom closet, next to a crib.
Three children, aged three, eight and 12 were in the home at the time of the seizures. The Children’s Aid Society has been notified.
The accused is not being named to protect the identity of the children.
CHARGED:
- A 33-year-old male, of Richmond Hill
CHARGES INCLUDE:
- Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Careless Storage of a Firearm
- Possession of a Weapon Contrary to Prohibition Order
- Utter Threats
- Trafficking Cocaine
- Possession for the Purpose Cocaine
“It is deplorable that a loaded firearm and cocaine were easily accessible to three young children in their own home and shocking the gun was found next to a crib in a three-year-old’s bedroom,” said Chief Jim MacSween. “Thanks to the hard work of members of our Guns, Gangs and Drug Enforcement Unit these life-threatening dangers have been removed from the children’s home.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Guns, Gangs and Drug Enforcement Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7772, or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
