B.C. truck driver gets 15 years in prison, flees to India

Raj Kumar Mehmi, a 60-year-old truck driver from Surrey, B.C, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for smuggling 80 kilograms of cocaine into B.C., through the Canada-U.S. Pacific Highway border crossing. He has fled to India, RCMP said on Dec. 13.

On Nov. 16, at the Surrey Provincial Court of B.C, Judge Weatherly sentenced Mehmi in absentia, to nine years in prison for Importation of a controlled Substance, and six years for possession for the purpose of trafficking.

A Canada-wide arrest warrant has been issued for Raj Kumar Mehmi. In addition, an Interpol Red Notice is being sought as a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest Mehmi, pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.

Raj Mehmi was initially arrested by the BC RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime (FSOC) – Waterfront Joint Force Operation unit (WJFO) on Nov. 6, 2017, after the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) discovered 80 sealed bricks of cocaine hidden inside a semi-trailer truck being driven, and owned by Mehmi.

At the time of this seizure, the bulk street value of the cocaine was estimated at $3.2 million.

Mehmi was charged with Importation of a controlled substance, and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

On Sept. 6, 2022, a Supreme Court Judge found Mehmi guilty on both charges, and a sentencing hearing was scheduled for Jan. 9, 2023.

On Oct. 11, 2022, Mehmi fled to India after boarding a flight from Vancouver, BC, and arriving in New Delhi the following day.

Since Mehmi failed to appear for his sentencing hearing, an application to sentence him in absentia was filed, and subsequently granted on Sept. 15, 2023.

Mehmi also received a lifetime ban on firearms, restricted, prohibited weapons, a forfeiture order, and DNA order.

“The criminal conviction resulting from this significant drug seizure is a clear demonstration of the CBSA-RCMP Joint Border Strategy’s effectiveness in keeping our border secure. It also highlights the ongoing collaboration between our agencies, and the shared dedication and commitment of our officers, to protecting Canadians from the significant threats posed by transnational organized crime,” said Superintendent Bert Ferreira, Officer in Charge of the BC RCMP Federal Serious & Organized Crime – Border Integrity program.

CBSA officers work closely with the RCMP to keep illicit drugs from crossing Canada’s borders.

“The seizure of over $3-million of cocaine at our Pacific Highway border crossing and the subsequent 15-year conviction are a direct result of the strong partnership between our organizations and the diligent work of our officers,” said Director Holly Stoner, CBSA Pacific Region.

If you locate Mehmi, or have information regarding his whereabouts, please do not approach him, and contact your local police agency, or anonymously report it through the BC Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-222-8477.

If you know anyone who may be struggling with addiction, you can seek assistance through the BC Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service Line, at 1-800-663-1441; and if you have information about a crime and wish to report it, you may contact your local police agency, or report it anonymously by calling BC Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.