U.S. border officers intercept Brampton-bound load of cocaine

A shipment destined for Brampton never made it across the border after U.S. authorities allegedly uncovered more than 60 kg of cocaine hidden inside a commercial truck entering Canada from Michigan.

The seizure occurred during an inspection at the Blue Water Bridge crossing in Port Huron in the early hours of June 11, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Investigators say the truck was carrying a legitimate shipment of wood pallets and cheese powder from Wisconsin to Brampton when officers discovered two suspicious cardboard boxes concealed inside the cab area.

Inside the boxes, authorities found 55 shrink-wrapped bricks of cocaine weighing a combined 60.5 kilograms.

The truck driver, 27-year-old Chandan Tayal, told investigators he was transporting cargo to Brampton and claimed he was unaware of the drugs. Court documents cited by U.S. media indicate Tayal said he watched the shipment being sealed before departing and maintained he did not know cocaine was allegedly hidden among the cargo.

Authorities reported that one of the vacuum-sealed packages appeared to be partially open.

Following the discovery, a police K9 unit from nearby Marysville was called to assist and reportedly confirmed the presence of narcotics.

Investigators say 25 packages weighing approximately 27.5 kg were found in one box, while another 30 packages weighing roughly 33 kg were recovered from the second.

The estimated street value of the seized cocaine has not been released.

Tayal was arrested and remains in custody at the St. Clair County Jail in Michigan as the investigation continues. U.S. authorities have not announced whether additional arrests are expected.

The case highlights ongoing efforts by border officials to intercept illegal drugs moving between the United States and Canada. The Blue Water Bridge, which connects Port Huron, Michigan, with Point Edward, Ontario, is one of the busiest commercial border crossings between the two countries and handles thousands of trucks each day.