An Indo-Canadian truck driver has been arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle cocaine worth CA $24.6 million into Canada. On July 23, a commercial truck entering from the United States was flagged for a secondary inspection at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), officers discovered seven bags containing bricks of suspected cocaine weighing 197 kilograms. The driver, identified as 29-year-old Onkar Kalsi from Caledon, Ontario, was taken into custody by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). He faces charges of importation of cocaine and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
“This seizure by our dedicated border services officers demonstrates our commitment to stopping criminal activities and safeguarding our communities,” said Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. The CBSA added that it has seized over 1,164 kg of cocaine from the US between January 1 and July 10, 2025, along with 514 kg from other countries.
Increasing number of smuggling cases
This latest arrest adds to a growing list of similar cases involving Indo-Canadian truckers. On June 10, Peel Regional Police (PRP) revealed what they called the largest drug seizure in the region’s history as part of “Project Pelican.” Officers recovered 479 kg of cocaine and two loaded illegal semi-automatic handguns, with an estimated street value of CA $50 million.
Among those charged were several Indo-Canadians, including Hao Tommy Huynh (27, Mississauga), Sajgith Yogendrarajah (31, Toronto), Manpreet Singh (44, Brampton), Arvinder Powar (29, Brampton), Karamjit Singh (36, Caledon), Gurtej Singh (36, Caledon), Sartaj Singh (27, Cambridge), and Shiv Onkar Singh (31, Georgetown).
Cross-border crackdowns continue
In January 2024, Winnipeg-based trucker Komalpreet Sidhu was arrested for attempting to smuggle over CA $50 million worth of drugs. That same month, a joint operation between the FBI and RCMP’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, codenamed “Dead Hand,” led to the arrest of five individuals, including three Indo-Canadians: Ayush Sharma (25, Brampton), Guramrit Sidhu (60, Brampton), and Subham Kumar (29, Calgary). All five are facing extradition to the US
Other notable cases include the January 2024 arrest of Sukhwinder Dhanju (35, Brampton) for trying to smuggle cocaine worth CA $6.5 million, and Manpreet Singh (27, Brampton), who was caught in December 2023 transporting 52 kg of suspected cocaine.