A joint forces investigation has resulted in the arrest of three men who attempted to purchase four firearms. Police seized a loaded handgun, fentanyl and cash.

In late May 2020, the OPP-led Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit commenced a joint firearms importation investigation with the US Department of Homeland Security -Homeland Security Investigations - and the Hamilton Police Service Gangs and Weapons Enforcement Unit. The purpose of the investigation was to target illegal firearm sales in the Hamilton Area.

On Friday, June 5, 2020, shortly before 11:30 a.m., members from the Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit, the Hamilton Police Gangs and Weapons Enforcement Unit and Emergency Response Unit set up surveillance of the suspects at a commercial property near the intersection of Barton Street East and Kenilworth Avenue North. As the firearms deal unfolded, officers arrested the suspect who made the purchase. His accomplices, who were operating a motor vehicle in the immediate area observed the arrest and attempted to flee. Their vehicle engaged two police vehicles and came to rest on the front lawn of a residence near Vansitmart Avenue and Kenilworth Avenue North and the occupants were arrested. Police located inside the vehicle a loaded Glock handgun, cash and a small amount of fentanyl.

As a result of this investigation, three men were arrested and appeared in court on Saturday, June 6, 2020. They are facing several firearm-related and other criminal charges.

JOINTLY CHARGED

• Trenton Dam 20-years-of-age from Hamilton, Terrell Cooper 20-years-of-age from St. Catharines and Ahmed Issak-Hussan 19-years-of-age from Stoney Creek

CHARGES

• Careless storage of a firearm
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm x 2
• Possession of a firearm knowing its unauthorized x 2
• Possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
• Possession of a firearm with ammunition
• Possession of a firearm for the purpose of trafficking
• Import a firearm
• Unauthorized importing of a firearm
• Proceeds of crime over $5000.00

CHARGED

• Terrell Cooper

CHARGES

• Breach of probation x 3
• Flight from Police
• Dangerous driving

CHARGED

• Ahmed Issak-Hussan

CHARGES

• Carry concealed weapon
• Possession of a controlled substance fentanyl / heroin
• Breach of probation

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime, you are asked to contact Detective Sergeant Jason Cattle by calling 905-546-3887.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com