13 Indians Among 19 Arrested In One Of Ontario's Biggest Drug Busts; Narcotics Worth Rs 830 Crore Seized

Published 27 July 2026 · india

13 Indians Among 19 Arrested In One Of Ontario's Biggest Drug Busts; Narcotics Worth Rs 830 Crore Seized Published By, Last Updated: July 27, 2026

13 Indians Among 19 Arrested In One Of Ontario's Biggest Drug Busts; Narcotics Worth Rs 830 Crore Seized Published By, Last Updated: July 27, 2026, 18:42 IST Canadian authorities arrested 19 people, including 13 of Indian origin, after seizing 1.7 tonnes of narcotics worth over Rs 830 crore in one of Ontario's biggest-ever drug busts. Ontario Biggest Drug Busts (Representative Image) Canadian authorities have arrested 19 people, including 13 individuals of Indian origin, after uncovering what officials described as one of the largest drug busts in Ontario’s history. During the operation, investigators seized nearly 1.7 tonnes of illegal drugs with an estimated street value of more than 139 million Canadian dollars (around Rs 830 crore). The operation, named Project Bay, was led by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and targeted an alleged cross-border drug trafficking network that used commercial trucking routes to move narcotics from the United States into Canada.

Investigation Began Earlier This Year According to the OPP, the investigation began in January 2025 after Windsor Police launched a probe into suspected drug trafficking. A month later, the Canada Border Services Agency joined the investigation, which eventually expanded to include the OPP and several other law enforcement agencies. Police said the accused allegedly operated through a broker-style network within the commercial transport industry. Investigators believe drivers were recruited to knowingly transport drugs hidden among legitimate cargo while crossing the Canada-US border. Many of those arrested are believed to have worked as truck drivers. Who Was Arrested? Among those arrested are Gagandip Thindal (27), Simranjit Singh (32), Kanwarpal Kular (32), Jatinderpal Singh (39), Jasvinder Sohi (55), Tejwinder Sandhu (29), Harjwinder Sandhu (33), Haninderpal Grewal (34), Tarminder Singh (19), Avtar Sahota (54), Gundeep Tariwal (32), Mehakpreet Singh (24) and Karandeep Singh (27), all believed to be of Indian origin.

ALSO READ: 26-Year-Old Indian-Origin Woman Shot Dead In ‘Targeted Attack’ In Toronto What Did Police Recover? Between June 25 and July 20, investigators executed 22 search warrants at homes and businesses across Windsor, Corunna, LaSalle, Brampton, Kleinburg, Markham and Caledon. The raids led to the seizure of 973 kg of cocaine 660 kg of methamphetamine 49 kg of opium 230 oxycodone tablets 17 firearms Around 80,000 Canadian dollars and US$10,000 in cash High-end jewellery Money counting machines 43 mobile phones Six laptops One vehicle The OPP said the drugs seized have an estimated street value of more than 139 million Canadian dollars, making it one of the largest drug seizures by weight in Ontario. Police Call It a Major Blow to Organised Crime OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart described the operation as a significant success against organised crime. He said dismantling the alleged trafficking network had disrupted the illegal movement of drugs and firearms across the Canada-US border and helped prevent serious harm to communities across Ontario.