York Regional Police report that a proactive patrol stop in Markham on the evening of July 11 resulted in the arrest of three Toronto residents and the seizure of a loaded firearm, suspected controlled substances and cash.
What happened
Officers stopped a vehicle at about 5:50 p.m. in the area of 14th Avenue and Beckenridge Drive. During the stop, investigators determined that cannabis was being transported in a manner inconsistent with the Cannabis Control Act, according to a York Regional Police news release. A search of the vehicle and its three occupants led to the discovery and seizure of:
- a loaded firearm;
- suspected illicit cannabis;
- controlled substances believed to be oxycodone and cocaine;
- cash.
Follow-up search
Police executed a search warrant the following day, on July 12, at a residence in Toronto. During that search, officers seized additional suspected controlled substances, which police said were psilocybin and ketamine, as well as more illicit cannabis.
Charges and accused
All three people arrested in the Markham stop remain facing criminal charges. The accused are identified by police as Seliyan Surenthiran, 27; Seyon Surenthiran, 31; and Vijikaran Sivanesan, 40. The charges, as outlined by York Regional Police, include a range of firearms and drug-related offences.
| Name | Age | Principal charges (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| Seliyan Surenthiran | 27 | Unauthorized possession of a firearm; possession of a loaded prohibited firearm; two counts of breaching firearms prohibition orders; possession of proceeds of crime; multiple counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking; possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing. |
| Seyon Surenthiran | 31 | Multiple counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking; possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing; driving with cannabis readily available; windows obstructed. |
| Vijikaran Sivanesan | 40 | Possession for the purpose of trafficking; possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing. |
York Regional Police noted that at the time of the offence Seliyan Surenthiran was subject to existing firearms prohibition orders stemming from unrelated incidents.
Community impact and next steps
The seizure of a loaded firearm in a vehicle stop highlights ongoing enforcement activity in Markham focused on illegal weapons and drug trafficking. Police have not released further details on whether any of the seized substances have been analysed or on the scheduled court dates for the accused.
York Regional Police are asking anyone with information to contact investigators at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online at www.1800222tips.com.
