Indian-origin truck driver remanded after $7 million cocaine seizure in Canada

This latest bust comes amid heightened scrutiny of commercial trucking routes linking the United States and Canada.

Salaria, who was arrested at the scene, faces three federal charges: importation of a controlled substance, possession for trafficking, and attempted export of prohibited goods. Crown prosecutors cited flight risk and the gravity of the charges in opposing bail, while Salaria’s legal team advocated strict release conditions. The matter was adjourned to November 24 for further procedural steps.

Just weeks ago, investigators concluded Project Pelican, a sweeping RCMP-Peel Police-CBSA-Drug Enforcement Administration operation targeting a major drug trafficking syndicate in Ontario. Between February and May 2025, authorities dismantled a network using cross-border freight to ferry cocaine northward, seizing 479 kilograms worth $47.9 million at the Ambassador Bridge (Windsor) and Blue Water Bridge (Sarnia).

Seven of nine individuals arrested in Project Pelican were Indian-origin men, many working as Punjabi truck drivers or logistics operators based in the Greater Toronto Area, which has emerged as a hotspot for smuggling activity.

Earlier in March, an Indian-origin truck driver was caught with 108 kilograms of cocaine.

Prairie corridors have also seen significant interceptions. On March 8, CBSA officers at Coutts recovered over 108 kilograms of cocaine (estimated street value exceeding $10 million ) in a truck driven by Calgary resident Arshdeep Singh. That case led to extended investigations and multiple guilty pleas, further highlighting the scale and reach of organized drug smuggling networks targeting western Canadian ports.

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