U.S. Gun Smuggler's Deadly Cargo Linked to Toronto and Hamilton Shootings

Erhan John Er purchased 28 guns from legal firearms dealers in Florida in the summer of 2022 and smuggled them into Canada, reselling them to a Canadian trafficker. 18 of these handguns remain unrecovered. The recovered guns had their serial numbers erased, making them difficult to trace. One of the guns was linked to a high-profile gunfight in Toronto after a birthday party, where social media video showed firearms being brandished. Another gun was connected to the fatal shooting of Tobenna Obiaga at a house party in Hamilton. This case exposes the ease with which firearms can be illegally trafficked across the border and the devastating consequences for Canadian communities. The U.S. Attorney stated that Er falsely claimed he was buying guns for himself, only to smuggle them into Canada, where they were used in multiple crimes.

Erhan John Er purchased guns legally in Florida and transported them to Canada, where he sold them to a Canadian trafficker for a $1,000 fee per gun.

The smuggled guns were used in various crimes across Ontario and Quebec, including shootings and homicides. Some of the guns have not been recovered.

Law enforcement agencies in both the U.S. and Canada are investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in gun trafficking operations. The Ontario Provincial Police reviews all information and evidence and investigates matters thoroughly, laying charges when supported by the evidence.

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