Police give new details on gang raids

Police have released new details about yesterday’s GTA gang sweep.

They say the Asian Assasinz have been linked to several homicides in the city. Police from several areas including Brantford, Hamilton, Halton and Niagara were in the Toronto area to help crack down on suspected gang members yesterday.

A rival gang, the Sick Thugs was also targeted during the raids.

There were 53 search warrants for homes in Toronto, Peel, York and Durham regions.

Toronto Police inspector Gord Sneddon outlined some of the cases linked to the Asian Assassinz.

“Tony Nguyen of the Vy Vy Nightclub in January 2013, Michael Nguyen of the Yorkdale Mall in March 2013, the attempted murder of several individuals at the Joy Restaurant on May 2013 as well as the murder of Byron Linares at Empress Ave in June 2013. These are still active and ongoing investigations.”

Police have arrested 94 people in total, including those from yesterday’s raid. They have seized 30 firearms, 8 sets of body armour and 1100 rounds of ammunition. In addition, 7.2 kg of cocaine, 1.3 kg of crack, and 26 kg of marijuana were discovered. police say they also found heroin, methamphetamine, and other drugs.