POLICE SEIZE LOADED HANDGUNS DURING TRAFFIC STOPS

York Regional Police seized two loaded handguns following traffic stops in Markham and Richmond Hill.

On May 13 at about 1:40 a.m., officers pulled over a vehicle as part of a RIDE spot check in the area of highways 404 and 407 in Markham.

Police say the driver had been smoking cannabis, which formed grounds for a search.

During the search, officers located cannabis and a loaded handgun in the centre console. The driver, a man, and a passenger, a woman, now face charges.

Around the same time in Richmond Hill, at about 1:45 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of Elgin Mills Road at Shirley Drive after observing a vehicle racing in tandem with another vehicle.

The officer observed open liquor and arrested the five occupants, all men.

The vehicle was searched and police say the officer located a loaded handgun under the driver's seat.

All five men are charged with possession of the firearm and several other charges have been laid.

"Over the past few years, officers have seen a significant increase in firearms located during vehicle searches," Const. Laura Nicolle said, adding the increase poses a serious concern for the safety of residents, as well as officers when dealing with these armed suspects.

"Our officers are committed to getting guns off the streets despite the potential risks to their safety," Chief Jim Macsween said. "These are the dangers our frontline face everyday and their work is appreciated."

To report illegal possession of firearms, contact York Regional Police or report anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-TIPS or by leaving an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.