Law‑enforcement agencies in Canada have carried out two of the largest drug‑interdiction operations in recent years, seizing more than 750 kilograms of cocaine, opium, and other controlled substances in coordinated cross‑border investigations targeting transnational organized crime.
1. Project Pelican – Nearly 500 kg of Cocaine Seized in Ontario
Peel Regional Police announced the results of a year‑long investigation into a sophisticated drug‑smuggling network that used commercial transport trucks to move narcotics from the United States into Canada.
According to the attached report, investigators stated:
“Further investigation identified group members, commercial trucking companies, and storage facilities involved in a well‑organized criminal enterprise.”
Key findings from Project Pelican:
- 479 kg of bricked cocaine seized
- Street value: approx. $47.9 million
- Nine suspects arrested, facing 35 criminal charges
- Drugs were hidden inside commercial truck trailers crossing at the Ambassador Bridge and Blue Water Bridge
- Two semi‑automatic firearms recovered
Police described the seizure as a “seismic blow to transnational organized crime.”
2. RCMP–CBSA Operation – 248.7 kg of Cocaine Intercepted in Halifax
In a separate national operation, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) dismantled another international drug‑importation ring after detecting a massive shipment of cocaine concealed inside a marine container arriving from the Dominican Republic.
The attached RCMP release notes:
“CBSA officers… detected 1,178 illicit packages… concealed within flatbread.”
Highlights:
- 248.7 kg of cocaine seized in Halifax
- Drugs wrapped in carbon paper and hidden in food products
- Three suspects arrested in Quebec and Ontario
- Charges include importation, conspiracy, and trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Officials emphasized that the seizure prevented the drugs from reaching Canadian communities.
Combined Impact of this drug busts:
Across both operations, authorities seized:
- More than 750 kg of cocaine and other controlled drugs
- Multiple firearms
- Evidence of multinational criminal coordination
These back‑to‑back operations underscore the increasing sophistication of drug‑trafficking networks—and the growing cooperation between Canadian, U.S., and international enforcement agencies.
Two years ago an international gang member with the drugs have been also arrested in Bakersfield and is in federal custody awaiting his trial in federal court of eastern district. According to the sources he is also involved in international gangs and weapons transporting from one country to other. Mr. Singh was arrested in a joint operation of Bpd, FBI, HIS, ICE, DHS and other agencies of the United States of America and international agencies.
Most of the accused or arrested individuals are from Sikh families of Punjab and are involved in international crimes including drug supplies, extortion, money laundering and much more. CBP and FMB has filed multiple counts of chargesheet against these individuals.
