Toronto, February 1 (ozi news desk):
Three individuals of Indian origin were apprehended in Toronto, Canada, and are set to be extradited to the United States to face trial. Their arrest stems from their suspected involvement in a drug trafficking network that operated between Mexico and various North American countries. This significant development was the result of a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), known as “Operation Dead Hand.” As a result of this joint operation, a total of 19 individuals have been charged in two separate US federal indictments, highlighting the commitment of both nations to combat organized crime.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced on Tuesday that Ayush Sharma, a 25-year-old resident of Brampton, Guramrit Sandhu, a 60-year-old resident of Brampton, and Subham Kumar, a 29-year-old resident of Calgary, have been apprehended under an international arrest warrant. The RCMP emphasized the significance of this arrest, highlighting the global issue of drug trafficking perpetuated by highly organized and sophisticated criminal networks. US Attorney Martin Estrada, representing the Central District of California, expressed his concern over these criminals prioritizing profits over human lives. He emphasized the destructive impact of their actions, which not only ruin lives but also devastate families and wreak havoc within communities.
According to a statement released by the Department of Justice, investigators have uncovered crucial information suggesting that the organized crime group utilized individuals known as “handlers” and “dispatchers” from Canada who made frequent trips to Los Angeles for short durations. These handlers played a pivotal role in orchestrating the collection and delivery of substantial quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, which were then loaded onto long-haul semi-trucks destined for Canada. As a result of this extensive investigation, law enforcement authorities were able to seize significant amounts of fentanyl, further disrupting the criminal activities of this group.
The smooth transportation of illicit substances was made possible through a well-connected network of drivers who collaborated with numerous trucking companies. These drivers facilitated multiple border crossings between the United States and Canada, utilizing key entry points such as the Detroit Windsor Tunnel, the Buffalo Peace Bridge, and the Blue Water Bridge. This intricate operation allowed the criminal organization to transport their illegal cargo discreetly and efficiently, evading detection for an extended period of time. However, the diligent efforts of investigators ultimately led to the successful disruption of this illicit network and the seizure of wholesale quantities of fentanyl.
Sandhu, who is also referred to as King, stands accused of masterminding the transportation and distribution of significant amounts of controlled substances to Canada, collaborating with multiple co-defendants who are identified as suppliers. As per the indictment, Sandhu held the position of an orchestrator, overseer, and administrator, through which he acquired substantial wealth and assets. He is currently facing charges for participating in an ongoing criminal enterprise, and if found guilty, he could potentially be sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison.
The indictment revealed that Sharma and Kumar, who worked as semi-truck drivers, were implicated in the transportation of drugs to Canada.The indictments against Sharma and Kumar detailed their involvement in a collective drug trafficking operation, which encompassed a total of around 845 kg of methamphetamine, 951 kg of cocaine, 20 kg of fentanyl, and 4 kg of heroin.As part of the investigation, law enforcement authorities confiscated a substantial amount of cash, totaling over $900,000.The narcotics seized during the operation were estimated to have a wholesale value ranging from $16 to $28 million.
On Tuesday morning, a collaborative effort between international law enforcement agencies resulted in the execution of arrest and search warrants in multiple cities. These cities included Los Angeles and Sacramento in California, Miami in Florida, Odessa in Texas, as well as Montreal, Toronto, and Calgary in Canada. The coordinated operation aimed to apprehend individuals and conduct thorough searches as part of ongoing law enforcement efforts.
