Canada Busts Major Cross-Border Drug Network, Seizes 1.7 Tons of Narcotics
New Delhi/Ontario–Canadian authorities have dismantled a major cross-border drug trafficking network in Ontario, seizing about 1.7 tons of suspected narcotics valued at nearly $140 million.
The investigation, known as Project Bay, is believed to have resulted in the largest drug seizure in Ontario’s history. Authorities recovered 973 kilograms of suspected cocaine, 660 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine and 49 kilograms of suspected opium.
Twenty-one people have been charged in connection with the alleged smuggling operation. Nineteen suspects have been arrested, while two remain at large.
Thirteen of those charged are of South Asian origin. The suspects include Navpreet Singh, Haninderpal Grewal, Gagandip Thindal, Simranjit Singh, Kanwarpal Kular, Jatinderpal Singh, Jasvinder Sohi, Tejwinder Sandhu and Harjwinder Sandhu.
Authorities also seized 17 firearms, including an anti-tank rifle, along with ammunition, prohibited weapons and devices, high-end jewelry, money-counting machines, 43 cellphones and six laptops.
Project Bay focused on disrupting an international drug trafficking network operating through Ontario, Canada’s most populous province.
The investigation found that the organization allegedly used a broker-style model within the commercial transportation industry. Established contacts were used to recruit drivers who knowingly transported drugs across the Canada-U.S. border while concealing the narcotics within legitimate commercial supply chains, authorities said.
Several U.S. agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration, provided operational and investigative support during the investigation. (Source: IANS)
