New Delhi/Ontario, July 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Canadian authorities have dismantled what is being described as one of the country’s largest organised drug trafficking networks, arresting 19 people—including several individuals of Indian origin—and seizing approximately 1.7 tonnes of illegal narcotics valued at nearly 140 million Canadian dollars.
The cross-border crackdown, codenamed Project Bay, targeted an organised smuggling network operating between Canada and the United States. Authorities have charged 21 individuals in connection with the case, while two suspects remain absconding.
Of the 21 accused, 13 are of South Asian origin, including several with Indian names. Those arrested include Navpreet Singh, Haninderpal Grewal, Gagandip Thindal, Simranjit Singh, Kanwarpal Kular, Jatinderpal Singh, Jasvinder Sohi, Tejwinder Sandhu and Harjwinder Sandhu, among others.
According to a joint statement issued by Canadian police and the Canada Border Services Agency, investigators seized 973 kilograms of suspected cocaine, 660 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine and 49 kilograms of suspected opium during the operation, making it one of the largest narcotics recoveries in Ontario’s history.
Investigators also recovered 17 firearms—including an anti-tank rifle—along with ammunition, prohibited weapons and devices, high-value jewellery, money-counting machines, 43 mobile phones and six laptop computers.
Authorities said the investigation uncovered a sophisticated trafficking network that allegedly operated through a broker-style model within the commercial transportation industry. The syndicate is suspected of recruiting truck drivers and other transport operators to knowingly move narcotics across the international border while concealing them within legitimate commercial shipments.
The investigation received operational and intelligence support from several United States agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), reflecting the international nature of the alleged smuggling network.
Ontario, Canada’s most populous province with more than 14 million residents, was the primary focus of the operation aimed at disrupting organised cross-border drug trafficking.
The arrested suspects are expected to face prosecution on multiple charges related to cross-border drug smuggling and organised crime. Canadian authorities said investigations into the network are continuing.
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