The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has dismantled a sophisticated criminal network accused of trafficking millions of dollars worth of cocaine and methamphetamine across the Canada-U.S. border. The massive interdiction, dubbed Operation Meridian, was a targeted, 60-day initiative focused on commercial ports of entry across Southern Ontario.
Operation Meridian: A Targeted Blow Against Trafficking
According to CBSA officials, the operation's primary goal was to disrupt the flow of illegal narcotics being imported and exported through commercial shipping channels. By ramping up inspections of inbound and outbound tractor-trailers and leveraging intelligence from the CBSA's National Targeting Centre, officers were able to identify and intercept numerous smuggling attempts.
"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 Staggering Haul of Drugs, Guns, and Cash
The seizures from Operation Meridian paint a picture of a large-scale trafficking operation. Border officials confiscated a vast array of contraband, with approximately 90% of the items intercepted on their way into Canada. The haul included:
- 108.6 kilograms of cocaine, including small amounts found in courier shipments.
- 349.8 kilograms of methamphetamines.
- 266 kilograms of khat, 14.5 grams of opium, and large quantities of tobacco and nicotine products.
- Nine firearms, one of which was reported stolen, along with 19 other weapons.
- US$93,100 in suspected proceeds of crime.
The street value of the cocaine alone is estimated to be nearly $50 million.
Charges Laid and Investigations Continue
As a direct result of the operation, criminal charges have been laid against five individuals. The CBSA confirmed that 16 other related investigations remain active. Those arrested and charged include:
Navpreet Singh, 32, of Stoney Creek, Ontario, was arrested at the Blue Water Bridge for allegedly attempting to smuggle 108.4 kg of cocaine. He faces charges of importation and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Karan Owaan, 24, of Kingston, and Gagandeep Singh Gharail, 32, of Brampton, were arrested at the same border crossing for the alleged smuggling of 349.8 kg of methamphetamines. Both face similar drug trafficking charges.
Two American nationals were also arrested at the Peace Bridge. River Donell Goldwire, 25, of Georgia, was charged for smuggling a stolen firearm, while Oshin Sharara Thompson, 31, of New York, was charged for failing to report the US$93,100 in currency.
The CBSA emphasized the serious consequences for such crimes, noting that foreign nationals convicted of smuggling may face removal from Canada and a ban on re-entry. The agency continues to encourage the public to report suspicious cross-border activity through its Border Watch Line.
