1.7 tonnes of drugs seized in cross-border bust: 2 local men charged

Drugs and weapons seized as part of a multi-jurisdictional, cross-border investigation. (Source: OPP)

Two area men have been arrested in a cross-border investigation involving police and border agencies in Canada and the U.S.

In what police are calling ‘Project Bay’, the seizure of nearly 1.7 tonnes of illegal drugs has made headlines across the country.

Project Bay is one of Ontario’s largest single-investigation drug busts. The estimated street value of the drugs is more than $139 million, police said Thursday.

• Locally, Barrie’s Haninderpal Grewal, 34, faces four charges, including two counts of conspiracy to import cocaine, two counts of conspiracy to possess cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Grewal was released from custody following a bail hearing. He is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto August 2.
• Additionally, Avtar Sahota, 54, of Shelburne was charged with importing cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and possession for the purpose of trafficking. He was released from custody following a bail hearing and has a court date scheduled in Sarnia August 26.

According to police, the investigation targeted the importation and trafficking of illegal drugs linked to the Canada-U.S. border.

The investigation started in January 2025 when police in Windsor, Ont., launched a drug-trafficking probe. A month later, the Canada Border Services Agency joined the investigation as officers worked to identify a cross-border trafficking network.

Authorities said the investigation uncovered a broker-style operation within the trucking industry that allegedly exploited established transportation networks to move illegal drugs across the border.

Investigators allege the operation arranged for drivers to knowingly transport illicit substances through legitimate supply chains.

Police said the investigation also relied on support from several law enforcement partners. U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration assisted with the international aspects of the case, while Toronto police and Peel Regional Police provided operational and investigative support.

On June 25, investigators used 18 search warrants at homes and businesses in Windsor, Corunna, LaSalle, Brampton and Kleinburg.

On July 14, two search warrants were used in Markham and Caledon, and on Monday, two search warrants were used in Brampton.

With files by CTV NEWS