Indian-Origin Truck Drivers Arrested After Canada Drug Seizure Worth $139 Million
Canada drug bust leads to driver arrests.
Canadian authorities have dismantled a major cross-border drug trafficking network in Ontario, arresting 19 people, including several Indian-origin truck drivers, after seizing illegal drugs worth approximately $139 million. The operation, led by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), involved the recovery of nearly 1.7 tonnes of suspected narcotics, including cocaine, methamphetamine and opium. Officials described the seizure as one of the most significant drug recoveries from a single investigation in Ontario.
The investigation, named Project Bay, began in January 2025 with the aim of disrupting the illegal import and distribution of drugs linked to the Canada-US border. According to the CBSA, investigators uncovered a trafficking network that used commercial trucks to transport large quantities of illicit substances between the two countries. Authorities said the operation revealed a sophisticated system involving individuals working within the commercial transportation sector.
The CBSA said the network operated through what it described as a "broker-style model", where established contacts were used to coordinate the movement of illegal drugs through legitimate supply chains. Investigators alleged that some drivers were knowingly involved in transporting illicit substances while operating commercial vehicles that otherwise appeared to be part of regular business operations.
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As part of the investigation, law enforcement agencies conducted coordinated raids at 22 locations across multiple areas of Ontario, including Windsor, LaSalle, Corunna, Brampton, Markham and Caledon. The raids resulted in the arrest of 19 accused individuals linked to the alleged trafficking network. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and additional developments could follow as evidence is reviewed.
Several Indian-origin individuals were named among those arrested in connection with the case. They were identified as Gagandeep Thindal, Simranjit Singh, Kanwarpal Kular, Jatinderpal Singh, Jaswinder Sohi, Tejvinder Sandhu, Harjvinder Sandhu, Tarminder Singh, Gundeep Tariwal, Mehakpreet Singh and Karandeep Singh. Authorities have not released further details about the specific roles allegedly played by each accused in the trafficking operation.
The CBSA said Project Bay highlights the importance of cooperation between border enforcement agencies and law enforcement partners in combating organised crime networks involved in international drug trafficking. Officials emphasised that criminal groups often attempt to exploit legitimate transportation systems to move illegal goods across borders. The investigation underscores ongoing efforts by Canadian authorities to prevent the misuse of commercial supply chains and protect communities from the impact of organised drug-related crime.
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