Hamilton police arrested three men who attempted to purchase several firearms.

Police say a joint forces investigation consisting of the Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit, the Hamilton Police Gangs and Weapons Enforcement Unit, Emergency Response Unit and the US Department of Homeland Security began to target illegal firearm sales in Hamilton in late May.

They say a surveillance team was set up at a commercial property near the intersection of Barton St. East and Kenilworth Ave. North shortly before 11:30 am on Friday.

Police observed three men there trying to buy guns.

As the deal unfolded, officers arrested the man that made the purchase.

His two accomplices fled the area in a vehicle.

They were arrested outside a home near Vansitmart Ave. and Kenilworth Ave. North.

Police seized a loaded Glock handgun, cash and a small amount of fentanyl.

Police charged 20-year-old Trenton Dam of Hamilton, 20-year-old Terrell Cooper of St. Catharines and 19-year-old Ahmed Issak-Hussan of Stoney Creek with careless storage of a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, two counts of possession of a firearm knowing its unauthorized, possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, possession of a firearm with ammunition, possession of a firearm for the purpose of trafficking, import of a firearm, unauthorized importing of a firearm.

Police additionally charged Cooper with three counts of breach of probation, flight from police and dangerous driving.

Issak-Hussan faces additional charges of carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a controlled substance fentanyl and breach of probation.

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime, you are asked to contact Detective Sergeant Jason Cattle by calling 905-546-3887.