NEW DELHI – In a significant breakthrough, Canadian authorities have dismantled a large-scale drug trafficking and terror-financing network as part of Project Pelican, a months-long investigation led by Peel Regional Police. The probe uncovered a Canada-based narco-terror ring with suspected links to pro-Khalistan elements, resulting in the largest drug seizure in Peel’s history—479 kg of cocaine valued at $47.9 million.
Nine individuals, including seven men of Indian origin, were arrested in connection with the operation. According to police, the network utilized commercial trucking routes between the United States and Canada and had connections to Mexican drug cartels and U.S.-based distributors.
Authorities believe proceeds from the drug trade were funneled into anti-India activities, including protests, referendums, and potential arms funding. Intelligence agencies suspect the involvement of Pakistan’s ISI, which is allegedly backing Khalistani groups in Canada to smuggle Mexican cocaine. The agency is also reported to be facilitating the distribution of heroin sourced from Afghanistan.
Those arrested include:
- Sajgith Yogendrarajah (31, Toronto)
- Manpreet Singh (44, Brampton)
- Philip Tep (39, Hamilton)
- Arvinder Powar (29, Brampton)
- Karamjit Singh (36, Caledon)
- Gurtej Singh (36, Caledon)
- Sartaj Singh (27, Cambridge)
- Shiv Onkar Singh (31, Georgetown)
- Hao Tommy Huynh (27, Mississauga)
They collectively face 35 charges related to drug and firearms offences, Peel Police confirmed.
The investigation, launched in June 2024, was prompted by a December 2023 seizure in Illinois, where two Indian-origin Canadian nationals were caught transporting over 1,000 pounds of cocaine. This triggered a deeper probe that eventually unraveled a smuggling network operating along US-Canada trucking routes, with support from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Between February and May 2025, authorities made key seizures, including:
- 127 kg of cocaine at the Ambassador Bridge, Windsor
- 50 kg at the Blue Water Bridge, Point Edward
- Additional seizures and arrests across the Greater Toronto Area, some involving loaded firearms
Peel Police confirmed the total seizure included 479 kg of bricked cocaine and two illegal loaded semi-automatic handguns. The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton for bail hearings.
Michael S. Kerzner, Ontario’s Solicitor General, commended the effort, saying:
“Project Pelican is proof of what police can accomplish when they have the tools and resources needed to keep our communities safe.”
