5 arrested in CBSA operation into drug smuggling at Ontario ports of entry

CBSA displays items seized as a result of Operation Meridian. (CBSA)

Five people have been charged in connection with ongoing investigations into drug smuggling at ports of entry in Southern Ontario that have led to the seizures of drugs, firearms and proceeds of crime.

In a news release on Friday, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced the results of Project Meridian, which it said was a “targeted” 60-day operation in the region with a goal to “disrupt the import and export of illicit narcotics through commercial channels at ports of entry.”

Border officers used detection tools to increase examinations of commercial shipments going in and out of the country, according to the CBSA.

The operation resulted in more than 700 kilograms of cocaine, meth, khat, opium and tobacco being seized. The CBSA also revealed that they recovered nine firearms, 19 weapons, more than 115,000 tins of nicotine, 14,400 vapourizers and US$93,100 believed to be proceeds of crime.

“Roughly 90 per cent of these seizures were attempts to smuggle into Canada, while 10 per cent involved seizures on export,” the agency said in the release.

The CBSA also identified five people who were arrested as part of the operation.

Stoney Creek resident Navpreet Singh, 32, allegedly tried to smuggle 108.4 kilograms of cocaine at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry.

The border agency said they caught 24-year-old Karan Owaan of Kingston and 32-year-old Gagandeep Singh Gharail of Brampton attempting to smuggle 349.8 kilograms of meth at the same port of entry.

All three have been charged with importation of a controlled substance and possession for the purposes of trafficking.

Meanwhile, 25-year-old River Donell Goldwire from Covington, Georgia, was arrested at the Peace Bridge port of entry for allegedly smuggling a stolen firearm. He is now facing multiple charges under the Customs Act and Criminal Code.

The CBSA said officers apprehended Springfield, New York resident Oshin Sharara Thompson, 31, at the Peace Bridge port of entry on Sept. 17 after she failed to report US$93,100. She was charged under the Proceeds of Crime and Terrorism Financing Act.

“We have had remarkable success in intercepting smuggling efforts of dangerous narcotics destined to cities throughout the country,” CBSA Regional Director General for Southern Ontario Michael Prosia said in a statement.

“The success of Operation Meridian highlights the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between the CBSA and law enforcement partners.”