A major drug bust and the dismantling of an illegal gun smuggling ring has prompted the Chief of Walpole Island to call for help.
Chief Charles Sampson said his police service needs more funding and resources from upper levels of government to stop illegal guns from being smuggled through Walpole Island.
He said his police service is terribly underfunded and has just nine to 11 officers trying to stop illegal guns from crossing the St. Clair River into Canada.
“To Premier Ford and Prime Minister Trudeau, open up your considerations to flow the necessary adequate financial resources,” said Sampson.
He also pointed out that a marine unit is required to protect the border, saying his police officers only have one boat to get the job done.
“We desperately need enhanced funding to get this job done,” Sampson told a news conference at York Regional Police headquarters on Wednesday. “These illegal weapons ultimately assist with the commitment of crime in large urban areas such as Toronto and present a real danger to public safety and human lives.”
Police in the Toronto area have laid over 400 charges against 22 people from the London and Toronto areas following a 10-month investigation.
Police said $1.3 million in drugs and 27 illegal guns were seized, some of which are suspected to have been smuggled through Walpole Island.