Toronto police dismantle online gun trafficking network in Project Playfight
Undercover operation posed as gun buyers to infiltrate network that sold 15 firearms. Three Toronto men arrested with 45 firearms offences.
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Toronto police have dismantled an online gun trafficking network through an undercover operation that began in February 2026.
Inspector Steve Matthews of the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force said the investigation, called Project Playfight, started when officers received information about someone trafficking firearms through an online platform. Undercover officers posed as gun buyers and communicated with the suspect, who introduced them to additional individuals involved in firearms sales and provided lists of weapons available for purchase. Investigators traced the firearms to one registered owner who acted as supplier, and two other individuals who worked as sellers.
Search warrants were executed on July 29 at locations in Toronto and Markham. Three Toronto residents were arrested: Zhuohang Ma, 23; Jun Xiang Huang, 29; and Lie Le, 23. Police charged all three with a combined 45 firearms offences.
Officers seized 15 firearms, over 1,200 rounds of ammunition, body armour vests, Canadian currency, a 2.5-gram gold bar, and equipment capable of converting handguns into fully automatic weapons. "What began as an investigation into one individual selling firearms online quickly grew into something much larger," Matthews said at a news conference Tuesday. "Every illegal firearm removed from our streets is one less firearm that can be used to threaten the safety of our communities." The investigation remains active.
The facts
When did Project Playfight begin?
The undercover operation began in February 2026.
How many firearms were seized in the operation?
Police seized 15 firearms during the investigation.
Who were the three people arrested?
Toronto residents Zhuohang Ma, 23; Jun Xiang Huang, 29; and Lie Le, 23 were arrested.
What other items did police recover besides firearms?
Officers seized over 1,200 rounds of ammunition, body armour vests, Canadian currency, a 2.5-gram gold bar, and equipment capable of converting handguns into fully automatic weapons.
