Cocaine Bust at Border: Indian-Origin Driver Denied Bail

Global Operations

Posted by AI on 2025-10-30 14:39:06 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-16 01:07:19

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In a significant drug interception, Canadian border officials seized 77 kilograms of cocaine, valued at a staggering $7 million, at the Coutts border crossing in Alberta. The accused, Surj Singh Salaria, a 28-year-old Indian-origin truck driver from Calgary, now faces serious federal charges and has been denied bail due to the severity of the allegations and potential flight risks. This case highlights the growing trend of cocaine trafficking along the Canada-US border, with commercial trucking routes under increasing scrutiny.

The cocaine was discovered on September 25 during a routine inspection of Salaria's truck by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The drugs were concealed within the cab, leading to his immediate arrest. This seizure is one of the largest in Alberta this year, emphasizing the escalating issue of cross-border cocaine smuggling. Salaria's charges include importation, possession for trafficking, and attempted export, with Crown prosecutors emphasizing the international scope of the operation. Despite the defense's request for conditional release, the Alberta Court of Justice deemed him a flight risk and ordered his detention.

This incident is not an isolated one. It is part of a broader crackdown on cocaine trafficking, particularly through commercial trucking. Project Pelican, a joint operation by Canadian and American law enforcement, has already led to significant seizures, including 479 kilograms of cocaine worth $47.9 million earlier this year. The trend is alarming, with authorities noting a pattern of Indian-origin truck drivers being involved in these operations. Another recent case involved Calgary driver Arshdeep Singh, charged with transporting 108 kilograms of cocaine. The focus on freight corridors and commercial trucking routes is intensifying as authorities aim to dismantle organized trafficking networks.

As the investigation into Salaria's case continues, law enforcement agencies emphasize their commitment to disrupting cocaine distribution networks. The upcoming procedural appearance on November 24 will be a crucial step in this high-profile case, with potential implications for cross-border drug trafficking operations and the ongoing efforts to secure the Canada-US border against illegal narcotics trade.

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