Two charged for Brampton homicide of Mohammed Zafar last May

PEEL Regional Police said on Thursday that investigators from the United States (US) Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have announced the arrest of a Canadian man believed to be responsible for the murder of a Brampton man.

On Saturday, May 18, 2024, Peel Regional Police responded to a residence in the area of Mississauga Road and Sandalwood Parkway in the City of Brampton for reports of an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim succumbed to his injury and was identified as 39-year-old Mohammed Zafar of Brampton.

On Thursday, during a media announcement in Los Angeles, the FBI announced that they had charged two individuals for the homicide of Zafar. These charges are part of a larger investigation into a transnational drug trafficking operation.

The accused have been identified as Ryan James Wedding, 43, and Andrew Clark, 34, both Canadian citizens residing in Mexico. Andrew Clark was arrested on October 8 by Mexican authorities and is currently in US custody. The FBI has issued an arrest warrant for Wedding, and he remains at large.

The FBI have charged Wedding and Clark with eight felonies each: two counts of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, one count of conspiracy to export cocaine, one count of leading a continuing criminal enterprise, three counts of murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and drug crime, and one count of attempt to commit murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and drug crime. Clark has an additional charge of murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and drug crime.

“Today’s investigative outcomes are a powerful testament of the necessity for collaboration between transnational law enforcement agencies to disrupt and dismantle organized crime. The prevalent trafficking of illicit drugs and illegal firearms into Canada is fuelling violent crime in our community and jeopardizing everyone’s safety. Peel Regional Police remains steadfast in our commitment to investigating and ensuring those responsible for harming our community are arrested and held accountable” said Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah.

Peel Regional Police has been assisting in this investigation with the FBI, US Homeland Security, US Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Los Angeles Police Department. Further Canadian law enforcement assistance has been provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto Police Service, and Niagara Regional Police Service.

Anyone with information pertaining to this investigation is asked to contact the Homicide Bureau by calling 905-453-2121 extension 3205. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

 

READ ALSO:

Four Indo-Canadians among significant transnational organized crime group members arrested