$1.2M worth of drugs and 26 firearms seized in major bust

Peel Police have arrested and charged a Brampton man following one of the largest firearm seizures in its history.

According to Peel Regional Police, in January 2019, investigators from the Vice, Narcotics and Street Level Organized Crime Bureau began a drug investigation called “Project Baron,” after receiving information of trafficking of narcotics within the region and surrounding areas.

And on Thursday, March 21, Salem Talke, a 35-year-old man from Brampton, was arrested for drug possession and trafficking-related offences.

Police say that subsequent to his arrest, investigators executed six search warrants at locations and on vehicles within the Region of Peel and Toronto that were associated to Talke.

Concealment in vehicle searched by police/ Peel Police

“This arrest is an example of the tenacious work of Peel Regional Police officers. Our investigators have been working tirelessly to take guns and drugs off our streets and to ensure our community remains a safe place to live, work and play” said Chief Chris McCord.

See also

• One arrest made in connection to armed kidnapping of 22-year-old
• 26-year-old woman sexually assaulted after getting into alleged ride-share vehicle

As a result of the investigation, police say the following property was seized:

• 26 firearms (16 handguns, four shotguns, six rifles)
• High capacity magazines (two banana clips, one .40 calibre high capacity handgun drum magazine)
• 1,500 rounds of ammunition
• A large quantity of Canadian currency
• 3.5 kilograms of cocaine
• Two kilograms of methamphetamine
• One kilogram of heroin
• One kilogram of fentanyl
• 311 grams of psilocybin (mushrooms)
• One bullet-proof vest

The total street value of drugs seized is approximately $1.2 million, according to police.

Salem Talke has been charged with the following offences:

• 12 counts of Drug Trafficking and Drug Possession offences
• 48 counts of Firearm-related offences
• Two counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

He will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in the City of Brampton on a later date.

Anyone who may have information pertaining to this matter is asked to call the Vice, Narcotics and Street Level Organized Crime Bureau at (905) 453-2121, ext. 3515. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).