By: Muhammad Aamir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter, Milton Reporter
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has announced two major investigations this week, including arrests in a targeted shooting in Burlington and the dismantling of a large-scale liquor trafficking operation across the Greater Toronto Area.
On Oct. 29, 2025, at about 2:50 p.m., a vehicle carrying four people was fired upon while driving behind the Food Basics on Lakeshore Road in Burlington. Police say three masked men were seen standing behind the store before one discharged a firearm at the vehicle, shattering the passenger-side window. The suspects fled in a waiting car.
The driver sustained minor facial injuries but is expected to recover. The Major Crime Bureau took over the investigation, executing search warrants at four Burlington addresses. Four suspects have since been arrested and charged, and police recovered the firearm believed to have been used.
Those charged include Ozan Dickson, 20, Ahmed Abrahimzada, 19, and Shehabeldin Adam, 18, all of Burlington, each facing attempted murder and multiple firearm-related offences. A 16-year-old male, also from Burlington, faces similar charges but cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. All remain in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.
In a separate case, HRPS, working with the LCBO and Toronto Police Service, dismantled a liquor trafficking operation accused of distributing more than $1.3 million in stolen alcohol across the GTA.
The joint investigation began in July 2025 and linked the operation to 10 organized theft groups. Police say most of the stolen liquor was sold directly from the accused’s residence or delivered to buyers.
On Nov. 20, search warrants were executed at a North York home, where investigators seized $120,000 in cash, three vehicles, and 126 bottles of whiskey.
Three people — Parminder Sidhu, 52, Rajinder Sidhu, 56, and Navdeep Sidhu, 25, all of North York — were arrested and charged with possession of property obtained by crime, trafficking, and participation in a criminal organization. They were released pending a Toronto court appearance.
Inspector Raf Skwarka of HRPS Investigative Services said organized retail crime poses risks to both employees and customers. “Our community deserves to shop and work in safe environments,” Skwarka said. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts in this investigation, the accused have been brought to justice. We will continue to prioritize public safety by targeting organized retail crime.”
John Summers, LCBO’s chief retail officer, said the partnership demonstrates that retail theft will not go unchecked. “Our collaboration with police services proves that just because someone walks out with a bottle doesn’t mean they got away with the crime,” Summers said.
Police are asking anyone with information about the Burlington shooting to contact the Major Crime Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 8900, and anyone with information about stolen liquor sales to call the HRPS Retail Crime Unit at 905-825-4747.
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