Logo

Canada’s Project Pelican: 7 Indian-Origin Men Arrested in $48M Cocaine Bust

Canadian police arrested nine individuals, seven Indian-origin, in a major cocaine smuggling bust known as Project Pelican. Authorities seized 479 kg of cocaine worth $48 million, uncovering a network linked to transnational cartels and anti-India activities using trucking routes between the US and Canada. The arrested face multiple firearm and drug charges.

Canada’s Project Pelican: 7 Indian-Origin Men Arrested in $48M Cocaine Bust

Project Pelican Uncovers Major Cocaine Smuggling Network in Canada

Canadian authorities have arrested nine men, seven of whom are of Indian origin, in Ontario as part of a sweeping crackdown on a cocaine smuggling ring operating between the US and Canada. The operation, known as Project Pelican, culminated in the seizure of 479 kilograms of cocaine valued at approximately $48 million CAD.

How the Drug Trail Unfolded

Law enforcement agencies revealed that the smuggling network exploited commercial trucking routes to ferry narcotics across the border, targeting the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The Peel Regional Police led the year-long investigation starting from June 2024, partnering with multiple agencies including the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and US Homeland Security.

Investigators discovered the drug distribution chain had ties to Mexican cartels and US-based distributors. Disturbingly, the network was also linked to anti-India activities with connections to Khalistani factions.

Seizures and Arrests: A Closer Look

  • Between February and May 2025, key interceptions took place at major border crossings:
  • At the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, authorities confiscated 127 kg of cocaine hidden in a commercial trailer, arresting the truck driver.
  • At the Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward, another 50 kg shipment was seized with the apprehension of a second driver.
  • Additional seizures in the GTA uncovered individuals in possession of loaded firearms, highlighting the dangerous nature of the operation.

Profiles of the Accused

By June 6, law enforcement had charged the nine suspects with a total of 35 counts spanning firearm and drug-related offenses. The accused include:

  • 27-year-old Hao Tommy Huynh (Mississauga)
  • 39-year-old Philip Tep (Hamilton)
  • 31-year-old Sajgith Yogendrarajah (Toronto)
  • 44-year-old Manpreet Singh (Brampton)
  • 29-year-old Arvinder Powar (Brampton)
  • 36-year-old Karamjit Singh (Caledon)
  • 36-year-old Gurtej Singh (Caledon)
  • 27-year-old Sartaj Singh (Cambridge)
  • 31-year-old Shiv Onkar Sing (Georgetown)

The accused appeared for bail hearings at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.

Canada’s Ongoing Battle Against Drug Trafficking

This arrest sweep forms part of broader Canadian efforts to stymie transnational drug operations amid heightened tensions over cross-border smuggling with the United States. The US government, under previous administrations, has exerted pressure on Canada, China, and Mexico over the influx of fentanyl and other illicit substances.

Earlier in 2025, Project Castillo led to the seizure of 835 kilograms of cocaine valued at $83 million destined for Toronto and its environs. Besides, Canadian authorities dismantled significant drug labs and arrested key players with Indian-origin identities, signaling the transnational complexity of these criminal networks.

Looking Ahead

As Project Pelican shines a light on these deeply entrenched smuggling operations, authorities vow to continue disrupting illegal drug flows that threaten public safety across Canada and its neighbors.

Three Indians Missing in Iran: Embassy Coordinates Search Efforts
Three Indians Missing in Iran: Embassy Coordinates Search Efforts

Three Indian nationals from Punjab—Hushanpreet Singh, Jaspal Singh, and Amritpal Singh—have been missing in Tehran since May 1, 2025. The Indian Embassy in Iran is actively coordinating with local authorities to locate them. The men were reportedly kidnapped shortly after arrival, with kidnappers demanding Rs 1 crore ransom. Families last heard from them on May 11. Authorities have filed an FIR against the agent who facilitated their travel and is now missing.

Two Men Face Sentencing for Human Smuggling Linked to Indian Family’s Death on US-Canada Border
Two Men Face Sentencing for Human Smuggling Linked to Indian Family’s Death on US-Canada Border

A tragic case involving the death of an Indian family of four on the US-Canada border has led to the sentencing of two men in Minnesota on human smuggling charges. Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, the alleged mastermind, and driver Steve Anthony Shand facilitated a smuggling operation that ended in the family’s exposure to lethal winter conditions in 2022. Prosecutors seek nearly 20 years for Patel and 11 years for Shand, highlighting the harsh realities and human cost of illegal border crossings.

Andrew Tate and Brother Face 21 Criminal Charges Including Rape in UK
Andrew Tate and Brother Face 21 Criminal Charges Including Rape in UK

Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan are facing a combined total of 21 criminal charges in the UK, including rape, bodily harm, human trafficking, and controlling prostitution. The charges concern multiple complainants, with David Tate's 11 charges related to one complainant and Tristan's 10 charges involving three. Both brothers deny wrongdoing. Extradition from Romania to the UK has been authorized, pending resolution of ongoing Romanian legal matters.

Gujarat Man Sentenced to 10 Years in US for Fatal Human Smuggling Case
Gujarat Man Sentenced to 10 Years in US for Fatal Human Smuggling Case

Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel of Dingucha, Gujarat, received a 10-year sentence from a US court for organizing a human smuggling operation that caused the deaths of an Indian family of four freezing to death during a 2022 border crossing attempt. The incident highlights the dangers of illegal migration and has drawn significant attention in Gujarat.

East Timor to Deport Ex-Philippine Lawmaker Wanted for 2023 Killings
East Timor to Deport Ex-Philippine Lawmaker Wanted for 2023 Killings

East Timor will deport Arnolfo Teves Jr., an ex-Philippine congressman and suspect in the 2023 killing of governor Roel Degamo. Detained in Dili since last year, Teves’s extradition was initially blocked. The decision supports East Timor’s bid to join ASEAN and strengthens regional legal cooperation. Philippine authorities are preparing for his repatriation.

Human Traffickers Jailed Over Deaths of Indian Family in Blizzard Tragedy
Human Traffickers Jailed Over Deaths of Indian Family in Blizzard Tragedy

Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel and Steve Anthony Shand were sentenced to over 10 and six years in prison, respectively, for leading a human smuggling operation that resulted in the 2022 deaths of four Indian nationals during severe weather. The tragedy unfolded as migrants attempted a perilous crossing from Canada into the U.S., facing life-threatening cold conditions. The case underscores the grave risks posed by illegal trafficking networks.

Human Traffickers Sentenced for Death of Indian Family in 2022 Blizzard Tragedy
Human Traffickers Sentenced for Death of Indian Family in 2022 Blizzard Tragedy

Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel and Steve Anthony Shand have been sentenced for orchestrating a human smuggling operation that caused the deaths of four Indian migrants, including two children, in a 2022 blizzard. Attempting to smuggle migrants across the Canada-U.S. border on foot during extreme cold, the traffickers abandoned the family, whose frozen bodies were later recovered. The U.S. Department of Justice condemned the actions, highlighting the tragic consequences of such illegal smuggling.

Five Turkish Nationals Charged Following Thessaloniki Shooting Incident
Five Turkish Nationals Charged Following Thessaloniki Shooting Incident

Following a shooting incident at a Thessaloniki gas station involving suspected Greek intelligence officers, five Turkish nationals appeared in court. Three were sentenced to prison for drug offenses, while two remain detained for questioning. The event underscores escalating tensions related to Turkish organized crime in Greece.

Canada Cracks Down on Narco-Terror Network Funding Anti-India Activities
Canada Cracks Down on Narco-Terror Network Funding Anti-India Activities

In a sweeping operation called Project Pelican, Canadian authorities busted a drug trafficking ring involved in smuggling nearly 480 kg of cocaine valued at nearly $48 million. The network had alleged connections to Khalistan sympathizers and was financing anti-India activities. Nine suspects, mainly of Indian origin, face multiple drug and firearm charges.

Project Pelican: Canada Cracks Down on Major Drug Network Ahead of Modi Visit
Project Pelican: Canada Cracks Down on Major Drug Network Ahead of Modi Visit

In a major anti-drug operation named Project Pelican, Canadian authorities seized 479 kg of cocaine worth $47.9 million, dismantling a network tied to Khalistani activists and suspected of funding anti-India activities. The crackdown precedes PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Canada for the G7 Summit, emphasizing strengthened India-Canada cooperation.

US Markets Dip Despite Positive Trade and Inflation Updates on June 12, 2025
US Markets Dip Despite Positive Trade and Inflation Updates on June 12, 2025

On June 12, 2025, US equity markets slipped as cautious investor sentiment persisted despite encouraging trade and inflation data. Treasury officials hinted at extending tariff pauses, yet existing tariffs on China remain unchanged. Consumer inflation remained low, but government deficits surged. Economic leaders warn of potential downturns amid ongoing fiscal and geopolitical pressures.

US on High Alert as Israel Prepares Possible Strike on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
US on High Alert as Israel Prepares Possible Strike on Iran’s Nuclear Sites

The United States is on heightened alert following reports that Israel is fully prepared to attack Iranian nuclear facilities. With stalled talks between Washington and Tehran, and increasing regional volatility, the US is evacuating non-essential personnel and preparing for potential fallout. Iran has warned of retaliatory strikes on US bases, underscoring the risk of escalating conflict.