Peel Regional Police said investigators arrested five suspects and seized dozens of illegal firearms and devices used to convert firearms into automatic weapons.

At a press conference Monday, Peel police announced the results of Project Sledgehammer.

Police say five suspects face more than 150 charges combined as part of the investigation.

Police say Project Sledgehammer was started after a uniformed officer discovered illegal weapons in a vehicle during a traffic stop.

Police said a 20-year-old man was arrested and charged and investigators later identified “associates” of the suspect who they suspected of being involved in firearms trafficking. The seizures took place following the execution of several search warrants, according to police.

Investigators confirmed Monday that 11 illegal firearms were seized along with 85 prohibited devices, including 53 Glock selectors, which convert handguns into fully automatic weapons.

“We can only speculate about what might have happened in the Greater Toronto Area. Every object you see displayed actually symbolizes a potential victim,” Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah told reporters.

“They represent a carjacking, home invasion, armed robbery and multiple firearms offenses that are believed to have hit the Greater Toronto and Peel Area.”

Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich said so far this year, Peel police have seized 157 illegal firearms, an increase of 87 per cent year over year.

He noted that in the first nine months of 2024, there have been 119 shootings in Peel, an “alarming” increase of 80 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.

“We are facing an unprecedented situation here in Peel, in the Greater Toronto Area and across the province,” he said.