The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has acknowledged it is “aware” of an allegation that a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employee provided information to the Dhanda drug trafficking ring to facilitate smuggling drugs across the U.S.-Canada border. However, the RCMP declined to confirm whether an investigation is underway.
RCMP Statement on Investigation Protocol
“Generally, only in the event that an investigation results in the laying of criminal charges would the RCMP confirm its investigation, the nature of any charges laid, and the identity of the individual(s) involved,” said Jessica Kingsbury, deputy director of media relations for the RCMP, in an email statement. “This is done to protect the integrity of an investigation, any evidence obtained, and the privacy of those involved.”
U.S. Indictment Details Drug Network
Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Justice released an indictment detailing the cocaine and methamphetamine distribution network of the Indian drug trafficking group allegedly led by Ravinder Singh Dhanda out of British Columbia. The indictment stems from an international investigation called “Operation Hard Ball,” led by the FBI’s Los Angeles office, which resulted in charges against 37 people linked to Indian organized crime groups. Alongside the Dhanda ring, police targeted the Bishnoi transnational criminal network led by Lawrence Bishnoi and another gang led by Jaggu Bhagwanpuri, both currently imprisoned in India.
Smuggling Methods and CBSA Allegation
The Dhanda network allegedly transported, smuggled, and distributed hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine each week from the U.S. into Canada by concealing drugs on long-haul semi-trucks and farm trucks used near the border. One of three defendants identified in the Dhanda indictment is Gurtej Singh Smagh, also known as “Simba,” based in Creston, B.C. According to the indictment, Smagh gathered information about the timing and location of border inspections and other enforcement actions from a CBSA employee to assist with smuggling. The indictment does not name the CBSA employee.
Official Responses and Context
Both the CBSA and the office of Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree declined to comment on specific details, citing the ongoing criminal investigation. “Operation Hardball is a joint operation by both the FBI and RCMP and both agencies will work together to ensure that any related investigations are pursued thoroughly and that those responsible are held accountable,” said Simon Lafortune, spokesperson for Minister Anandasangaree.
This is not the first time a CBSA officer has been accused of aiding drug traffickers. In March, CBSA officer Daniel Notarianni was charged for allegedly allowing a truck containing millions of dollars worth of opium, cannabis products, and tobacco through the Queenston-Lewiston port of entry near Niagara Falls, Ontario. The U.S. indictments are part of a broader international crackdown on Indian organized crime organizations operating across Canada, the U.S., and Europe.
