Calgary trucker, Kamalpreet Singh, 28, was arrested at the Coutts border and charged with importing and trafficking 52 kg cocaine valued at $3 million.
Singh is scheduled to appear in Lethbridge Provincial Court on Jan. 2, 2024.
“As a result of the strong working relationship between agencies in this joint force operation, we successfully disrupted the importation and trafficking of harmful drugs into Canada,” said Supt. Sean Boser, Officer-in-Charge of Federal Policing – Calgary, RCMP.
Janalee Bell-Boychuk, Regional Director General, Prairie Region, Canada Border Services Agency said the safety and security of Canadians is their top priority.
“By stopping illegal drugs at the border, we’re reducing the risk of harm to Canadians and keeping our communities safe. This seizure is another example of the ongoing cooperation between the CBSA and the RCMP in protecting Canadians.”
The arrest was a joint operation between the Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), the RCMP, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Calgary Police Service.
“As law enforcement agencies, a top priority of our collaboration is public safety,” said Supt. Cory Dayley, Criminal Operations and Intelligence Division, Calgary Police Service. “Working together, we have prevented another large quantity of illicit drugs from reaching our city and communities across Alberta, which in turn has prevented criminal activity associated with the drug trade. This continued success proves how important our partnership is to maintaining safety for all Albertans.”
On Nov. 19, CBSA officers had discovered and seized the cocaine following a secondary examination of a commercial truck trailer at the Coutts border crossing. The drugs, which have an approximate value of $3 million, were seized from the trailer and were referred over to IBET for further investigation.
Singh is charged with importation of a controlled Substance, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, and smuggling drugs into Canada.
