Canada Border Services Agency seizes illicit narcotics, drugs in ‘Operation Meridian’

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says a Stoney Creek man is among five people facing charges in connection with a massive drug and firearm bust across southern Ontario.

In what was called “Operation Meridian,” the CBSA targeted commercial channels at ports of entry across the region.

During the investigation, border services officers increased examinations of inbound and outbound commercial shipments, using detection tools and increased referrals from the CBSA’s National Targeting Centre.

As a result of Operation Meridian, border services officers seized:

• 108.6235 kg of cocaine, including 223.5 g in three courier shipments;
• 349.8 kg of methamphetamines;
• 266 kg of khat from seven courier shipments;
• 14.5 g of opium;
• 8,267 kg of tobacco, 115,416 tins of nicotine and 14,400 vapourizers;
• Nine firearms (including one stolen firearm) and 19 weapons; and
• $93,100 USD in currency as proceeds of crime.

Roughly 90 per cent of the seizures were attempts to smuggle into Canada, while 10 per cent involved seizures on export, the CBSA says.

“We have had remarkable success in intercepting smuggling efforts of dangerous narcotics destined to cities throughout the country. This outstanding work helps keep Canadians safe by stopping harmful drugs from reaching our streets and communities. The success of Operation Meridian highlights the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between the CBSA and law enforcement partners,” said Michael Prosia, regional director general, Southern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency.

Criminal charges were laid against five individuals, and 16 other investigations remain ongoing.

Locally, Navpreet Singh, 32, of Stoney Creek was arrested for attempting to smuggle 108.4 kg of cocaine at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry.

Singh and the narcotics were transferred into the custody of the RCMP where he was charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with the importation of a controlled substance, and with possession for the purposes of trafficking.

The CBSA says that profits from illicit tobacco smuggling often help fund organized crime activities, including human trafficking, firearms and drug smuggling.

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