The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has successfully dismantled a sophisticated criminal network accused of trafficking millions of dollars worth of narcotics across the Canada-U.S. border. The massive interdiction, part of a targeted two-month initiative, represents a significant blow to organized crime's commercial drug supply chains.
Operation Meridian: A Targeted Blitz on Commercial Smuggling
Dubbed Operation Meridian, the 60-day enforcement surge focused on ports of entry across Southern Ontario. The explicit goal was to disrupt the import and export of illegal drugs being moved through commercial shipping channels. CBSA officials ramped up inspections of both inbound and outbound commercial traffic, leveraging advanced detection tools and intelligence from the agency's National Targeting Centre.
"We have had remarkable success in intercepting smuggling efforts of dangerous narcotics destined to cities throughout the country," stated Michael Prosia, Regional Director General for the CBSA's Southern Ontario Region. "This outstanding work helps keep Canadians safe by stopping harmful drugs from reaching our streets and communities."
A Massive Haul: Drugs, Guns, and Cash
The results of the operation were staggering in scale. CBSA officers made a series of major seizures, including:
- 108.6 kilograms of cocaine, with a small portion intercepted in three courier shipments.
- 349.8 kilograms of methamphetamines.
- Additional narcotics, including 266 kg of khat, 14.5 grams of opium, and large quantities of tobacco and nicotine products.
Beyond drugs, the operation netted nine firearms—one of which was reported stolen—along with 19 other weapons. Officers also confiscated US$93,100 in currency believed to be proceeds of crime.
Charges Laid and Ongoing Investigations
The CBSA reported that approximately 90% of the seizures were from attempts to smuggle drugs into Canada, while 10% involved outbound shipments. The enforcement action has led to criminal charges against five individuals so far, with 16 related investigations still ongoing.
One of those arrested is Navpreet Singh, 32, of Stoney Creek, Ontario. He was apprehended for allegedly attempting to smuggle 108.4 kg of cocaine at the Blue Water Bridge crossing. Singh has been charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with importation of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking. He and the narcotics were transferred to RCMP custody.
The CBSA emphasized that the success of Operation Meridian highlights the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between border agents and other law enforcement partners in targeting the commercial infrastructure used by drug traffickers.
