Nine charged in Brampton after police dismantle $139 million Ontario drug network

Nine Brampton residents are among 21 people charged following one of the largest drug seizures by weight in Ontario history, with police seizing nearly 1.7 tonnes of illegal drugs valued at more than $139 million.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) announced Thursday (July 23) that a multi-jurisdictional investigation, dubbed Project Bay, resulted in the seizure of approximately 973 kilograms of suspected cocaine, 660 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine and 49 kilograms of opium, along with firearms, cash and other items.

The investigation focused on an alleged cross-border drug trafficking network that police say used a “broker-style model” within the commercial transportation sector to move illegal drugs through legitimate supply chains.

Search warrants were carried out in several communities, including Brampton, Windsor, Corunna, LaSalle, Kleinburg, Markham and Caledon.

According to the OPP, 21 people have been charged with 102 offences under the Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Nineteen people were arrested, while two remain wanted.

The Brampton residents charged are:

Gagandip Thindal, 27, faces 10 charges, including conspiracy to import cocaine, conspiracy to possess cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, multiple firearm offences and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000. He was remanded into custody following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear in Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto on July 27.

Simranjit Singh, 32, faces 12 charges, including conspiracy to import cocaine, conspiracy to possess cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, firearm offences, importing cocaine, trafficking cocaine and possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine. He was remanded into custody following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear in Toronto court on July 22.

Jatinderpal Singh, 39, faces two charges of conspiracy to import cocaine and conspiracy to possess cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. He was released on an undertaking.

Jasvinder Sohi, 55, faces two charges of conspiracy to import cocaine and conspiracy to possess cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. He was released on an undertaking.

Tejwinder Sandhu, 29, faces two charges of conspiracy to import cocaine and conspiracy to possess cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. He was released following a bail hearing.

Tarminder Singh, 19, faces nine charges, including failing to comply with a release order, possession of proceeds of crime, importing cocaine, trafficking cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, heroin and opium. He was remanded into custody following a bail hearing.

Gundeep Tariwal, 32, faces four charges, including importing cocaine, importing methamphetamine and possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine. He was released following a bail hearing.

Mehakpreet Singh, 24, faces eight charges, including firearm offences, conspiracy, trafficking cocaine and possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and methamphetamine. He was held for a bail hearing.

Karandeep Singh, 27, faces six charges, including firearm offences, conspiracy and possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and methamphetamine. He was held for a bail hearing.

The OPP said the investigation also led to the seizure of 17 firearms, including an anti-tank rifle, ammunition, prohibited weapons, approximately $80,000 Canadian currency, $10,000 US currency, jewellery, vehicles and electronic devices.

The investigation involved the OPP, Windsor Police Service, Canada Border Services Agency, Peel Regional Police, Toronto Police Service and several other law enforcement partners.

Police say the investigation into the full scope of the alleged trafficking network remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about illegal firearms or drug trafficking is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

All of those charged can be found here.