Toronto police officers went undercover as online gun buyers to break up a suspected gun trafficking ring, according to Inspector Steve Matthews of the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force.
Dubbed Project Playfight, the operation kicked off in February 2026 when officers received intel about someone allegedly peddling firearms on the internet. The undercover mission involved officers engaging with the suspect and expanding their network to uncover more individuals involved in the illicit gun trade.
Initially targeting a single seller, the operation swiftly unraveled a larger scheme involving multiple firearms dealers. The trail led back to one individual licensed to own firearms, suspected of supplying weapons to two other sellers.
On July 29, authorities executed search warrants in Toronto and Markham, resulting in the arrest of three suspects: Zhuohang Ma (23), Jun Xiang Huang (29), and Lie Le (23). These Toronto residents are now facing a combined total of 45 firearms-related charges.
In the raids, law enforcement confiscated a substantial haul including 15 firearms, over 1,200 rounds of ammunition, body armor vests, Canadian currency, a 2.5-gram gold bar, and gun modification equipment capable of converting firearms into fully automatic weapons.
Inspector Matthews emphasized that beyond the physical seizures and legal actions taken, the operation significantly diminished the threat posed by illegal firearms in the community.
The investigation, aimed at enhancing public safety, is still ongoing.
