Police in Ontario dismantled an alleged cross‑border drug trafficking network on July 24, seizing roughly $140 million (USD) worth of illegal drugs — about 1.7 tonnes in total — in what officials are calling one of the largest drug busts in the province’s history. The raids, conducted under an operation known as “Project Bay,” targeted a smuggling ring with links to the international border and recovered large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine and opium, authorities said.
More than 21 people have been charged with cross‑border smuggling; nineteen have been arrested while two remain at large. Thirteen of the accused are reported to be of South Asian origin, and several arrested individuals carry Indian names. Those named in reports include Navpreet Singh, Haninderpal Grewal, Gagandip Thindal, Simranjit Singh, Kanwarpal Kular, Jatinderpal Singh, Jasvinder Sohi, Tejwinder Sandhu and Harjwinder Sandhu.
An official statement from Canadian police and the Canada Border Services Agency said investigators seized 973 kilograms of suspected cocaine, 660 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine and 49 kilograms of suspected opium. Authorities also recovered about 17 firearms — including an anti‑tank rifle and ammunition — prohibited weapons and devices, high‑end jewellery, money counters, 43 cellphones and six laptops.
The investigation received operational and investigative support from multiple U.S. agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), officials said. Ontario, Canada’s most populous province with more than 14 million residents (about 38 percent of the national population), was identified as the primary area affected by the syndicate’s activities.
Preliminary findings indicate the syndicate used a broker‑style model within the commercial transportation industry, allegedly recruiting drivers who concealed drugs inside legitimate supply chains and moved them across the border. The probe under Project Bay is ongoing, and the accused are due to face trial. — IANS
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/07/24/huge-smuggling-racket-busted-in-canada-leads-to-mammoth-seizure-of-1-7-tonnes-illegal-drugs/
Category: INTERNATIONAL,News Alert
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Publish Date: 2026-07-24 15:41:00
