Project Pelican: A Major Drug and Terror Network Uncovered in Canada
In a sweeping operation dubbed Project Pelican, Canadian law enforcement has dismantled a significant drug and terror network suspected of having links to Khalistan supporters. This breakthrough comes just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Canada for the upcoming G7 Summit.
Canada’s Largest Cocaine Seizure and Arrests
The Peel Regional Police led the investigation resulting in the country’s largest-ever cocaine seizure. Authorities confiscated a staggering 479 kilograms of cocaine valued at $47.9 million. Nine individuals were arrested, including seven men of Indian origin residing in Canada.
Officials reported that the network exploited commercial trucking corridors between the United States and Canada. Additionally, the group maintained connections with Mexican drug cartels and distributors based in the US, facilitating extensive narcotics trafficking.
Funding Anti-India Activities through Drug Trade
Intelligence sources reveal that proceeds from this drug trade have allegedly been funneled into funding anti-India campaigns, including protests, referendums, and arms purchases. There are strong suspicions that Pakistan’s ISI backs these operations by leveraging Khalistani groups within Canada to traffic Mexican cocaine and Afghan heroin.
The individuals arrested include Sajgith Yogendrarajah (31), Manpreet Singh (44), Philip Tep (39), Arvinder Powar (29), Karamjit Singh (36), Gurtej Singh (36), Sartaj Singh (27), Shiv Onkar Singh (31), and Hao Tommy Huynh (27).
Timing Ahead of PM Modi’s Visit and G7 Summit
This crackdown gains particular significance as it precedes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Canada for the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, scheduled for June 15–17, 2025. Modi accepted the invitation extended by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who notably also secured re-election earlier this year.
On social media, PM Modi congratulated Carney on his electoral success and expressed enthusiasm for strengthening India-Canada relations as vibrant democracies. Modi reaffirmed his commitment to collaborative efforts across economic and global challenges during their upcoming meeting at the summit.
Canada’s Focus on Global Partnerships at G7
In remarks from Ottawa, Prime Minister Carney highlighted the summit’s objective to forge tighter alliances with emerging and developing countries. He stressed India’s pivotal role as a leading global economy and an essential player within worldwide supply chains, insisting that its voice remains central at global forums.
Looking Ahead
The success of Project Pelican disrupts a significant narcotics pipeline and actively targets networks threatening international security and diplomatic ties. With PM Modi’s visit imminent, the operation underscores shared commitments between India and Canada to tackle crime and uphold democratic values.
