Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Nine Punjabi men have been arrested in Canada for their alleged involvement in an inter-provincial drug trafficking network supplying cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine and prescription-controlled drugs to Manitoba from different parts of the country.
The arrests were made as part of an operation led by the Organised Crime Unit of the Winnipeg Police Service under Project Pink Panther. Police have seized narcotics worth approximately CAD 970,000 (around ₹6.40 crore), along with six firearms, more than 800 rounds of ammunition and CAD 126,000 in cash.
The investigation began in December 2025 and focused on an organised criminal group suspected of trafficking drugs into Manitoba from Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta.
According to investigators, the network allegedly used multiple methods to transport narcotics, including private passenger vehicles, courier services, postal parcels and commercial aircraft. The drugs were reportedly brought to designated locations in Winnipeg, stored there and subsequently distributed through individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.
On August 26, 2026, Winnipeg Police, in coordination with the Canada Border Services Agency, Ontario Provincial Police, Peel Regional Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), conducted multiple raids at locations in Winnipeg and the Greater Toronto Area.
During the searches, police recovered approximately 29 kg of methamphetamine, 3 kg of ketamine, 1,800 LSD tablets and 31 grams of heroin. The total estimated value of the seized narcotics was CAD 970,000.
Apart from the drugs, investigators also recovered CAD 126,000 in cash, six firearms, over 800 rounds of ammunition and a conducted energy weapon. Four vehicles — a Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Cruze and Cadillac CTS — were also seized.
Of the nine arrested accused, six are residents of Winnipeg, while three belong to Ontario.
Those arrested in Winnipeg have been identified as Tarundeep Singh (32), Devinder Singh (57), Amandeep Singh (47), Mandeep Singh Datta (37), Karanveer Singh (24) and Maghanpreet Boparai (25).
The three accused arrested in Ontario have been identified as Tarnveer Sandhu (37), Karan Joshi (34) and Manjinder Singh Saggu (43).
All nine accused are facing multiple charges related to drug trafficking, possession of property obtained through crime and firearms-related offences.
