In a major international crackdown on drug trafficking, three individuals of Punjabi origin residing in Brampton and Calgary, Canada, are set to be extradited to the United States to face charges related to their involvement in a vast narcotics operation. Ayush Sharma, 25, Guramrit Sandhu, 60, and Subham Kumar, 29, were arrested under an international arrest warrant, according to a statement by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) released on Tuesday.
This significant development underscores the global reach of drug trafficking and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in tackling organized crime groups that prioritize profits over human lives. As US Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California stated, “Drug trafficking is a global problem being driven by sophisticated, organized crime groups who put profits over people’s lives. Motivated by greed, these criminals destroy lives, devastate families, and wreak havoc in our community.”
The investigation leading to the arrests revealed that the organized crime group utilized Canadian “handlers” and “dispatchers” who frequently traveled from Canada to Los Angeles for short periods. These handlers were responsible for coordinating the pickup and delivery of large shipments of cocaine and methamphetamine, which were subsequently loaded onto long-haul semi-trucks bound for Canada. Additionally, wholesale quantities of fentanyl were seized during the investigation.
The transportation of illicit substances was facilitated by a network of drivers who collaborated with numerous trucking companies, making multiple border crossings from the US to Canada via the Detroit Windsor Tunnel, the Buffalo Peace Bridge, and the Blue Water Bridge.
Guramrit Sandhu, also known as “King,” is alleged to be the mastermind behind the trafficking and exportation of substantial quantities of controlled substances to Canada. According to the indictment, Sandhu held various key roles within the criminal enterprise, including organizer, supervisor, and manager, which allowed him to amass significant income and resources. He is now facing charges, including one count of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, with a potential mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison upon conviction.
Ayush Sharma and Subham Kumar were identified in the indictment as semi-truck drivers involved in exporting drugs to Canada. Collectively, the indictments allege their involvement in drug trafficking activities totaling approximately 845 kg of methamphetamine, 951 kg of cocaine, 20 kg of fentanyl, and 4 kg of heroin.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement authorities seized over $900,000 in cash, highlighting the immense financial gains associated with the illicit drug trade. The estimated wholesale value of the narcotics confiscated during the operation ranges between $16 million to $28 million.
In a coordinated effort, arrest and search warrants were executed on Tuesday morning by a coalition of international law enforcement partners across multiple cities, including Los Angeles, Sacramento, California, Miami, Odessa, Texas, Montreal, Toronto, and Calgary, Canada.
