A routine traffic stop in Brampton has led to the seizure of an illegal loaded handgun and the arrest of a Toronto man facing numerous firearms and drug-related charges.
Peel Regional Police say officers from Road Safety Services and 22 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau conducted a traffic stop near Hurontario Street and Sir Lou Drive on Sunday, June 21, at approximately 4:30 p.m. During the investigation, officers discovered a loaded handgun along with a magazine containing ammunition.
Police arrested 37-year-old Michael Lawrence of Toronto and charged him with multiple offences, including unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a controlled substance, and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Investigators say Lawrence was already prohibited from possessing firearms due to a previous criminal conviction. He also faces charges related to operating an uninsured vehicle and driving with cannabis readily available in the vehicle.
The accused was held for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice.
Peel police noted that officers have seized 60 firearms across the region so far in 2026, including 26 recovered during traffic stops, as part of ongoing enforcement and community safety initiatives.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact investigators with 22 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau at 905-453-2121 ext. 2233. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Peel Crime