Canada: Peel Police's record drug bust dismantles transnational criminal network: 479 kg cocaine seized; Punjabis among accused
Babushahi Bureau
Toronto (Canada), June 10, 2025: In a landmark operation, Peel Regional Police have made the largest drug seizure in the department’s history, dismantling a transnational criminal network trafficking cocaine into the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
A total of 479 kilograms of bricked cocaine—with an estimated street value of $47.9 million—was recovered. Among those arrested are several individuals of Punjabi origin.
The investigation, codenamed Project Pelican, began in June 2024, targeting commercial truck-based cocaine smuggling between the United States and Canada.
By November 2024, Peel Police had identified multiple suspects, trucking companies, and storage facilities tied to the network, working closely with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Detroit.
Key Operations (Feb–May 2025):
- 127 kg of cocaine was seized from a truck at Windsor’s Ambassador Bridge. The trailer was intercepted by the CBSA, and the driver was arrested.
- Another 50 kg of cocaine was found hidden in a trailer at Blue Water Bridge, Point Edward, with the assistance of the RCMP.
- Additional seizures by Peel Police in the GTA included not only cocaine but two illegally loaded semi-automatic firearms.
Accused and Charges
As of June 6, nine men have been arrested, facing 35 criminal charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offences:
- Hao Tommy Huynh (27), Mississauga
- Sajgith Yogendrarajah (31), Toronto
- Manpreet Singh (44), Brampton
- Philip Tep (39), Hamilton
- Arvinder Powar (29), Brampton
- Karamjit Singh (36), Caledon
- Gurtej Singh (36), Caledon
- Sartaj Singh (27), Cambridge
- Shiv Onkar Singh (31), Georgetown
All accused appeared for bail hearings at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.
Seizures at a Glance:
- 479 kg of bricked cocaine (estimated street value: $47.9 million)
- 2 illegal semi-automatic handguns
Official Statements
Michael S. Kerzner, Ontario Solicitor General:“Project Pelican is proof of what police can accomplish when given proper tools and resources. This historic seizure sends a strong message: there is no safe haven for organized crime in Ontario.”
Chief Nishan Duraiappah, Peel Regional Police:“This is the largest drug seizure in our service’s history. Thanks to national and international collaboration, a dangerous network has been successfully dismantled.”
Michael Prosia, CBSA Regional Director General, Southern Ontario:
“These arrests and seizures highlight the strength of our cross-border partnerships in disrupting criminal organizations and keeping our communities safe.”