2 men charged with possession of explosive materials in Richmond Hill

Police say they have arrested and charged two men after discovering explosive materials at a home in Richmond Hill.

York Regional Police said the investigation was launched last Thursday after receiving a tip about a suspect who was investigated by Canadian border guards and the United States Customs and Border Protection.

Police say officers executed a search warrant at a home where they found hazardous, explosive materials as well as a detonator device. They worked with the Ontario Provincial Police to safely remove the materials.

Police say nearby residences were evacuated as a precaution but residents have since been allowed back into their homes.

On Monday, York Regional Police arrested two men, Reza Mohammadiasl, 47, and Mahyar Mohammadiasl, 18, and both were charged with possession of an explosive device. Police say the accused are father and son

A neighbour tells CityNews they were ordered out of their homes on Saturday afternoon and were not allowed back till Sunday. They were only informed of hazardous materials and were unaware of the extent or details of the incident till Tuesday.

The neighbour said the suspects have lived in the neighbourhood for five or six years. She described them as “cordial” and said the father is an electrician.

Minister of Public Safety Ralph Goodale said the arrests were strictly a local matter.

“It’s a local matter under the jurisdiction of the York Regional Police. There is no known connection to any issue related to national security.”

One of the men appeared in court on Tuesday and the other is scheduled to appear in a Newmarket court on Wednesday.

The investigation is ongoing and police are asking anyone who knows the accused or has additional information to come forward.