Two truck drivers from Brampton have been found guilty of smuggling $11 million worth of cocaine into Canada through the U.S. border.
A Sarnia jury convicted Vikram Dutta, 44, and Gurinder Singh, 61, on charges of importing and possessing cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. The charges stem from a December 2022 incident when Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers discovered 89 bricks of cocaine hidden inside transport trucks crossing into Canada via the Blue Water Bridge.
During the trial, both men claimed they were unaware that the drugs were concealed in their cargo. However, the jury rejected their defense and found them guilty on all counts.
Dutta and Singh were released on bail after their arrest but now await sentencing, which is scheduled to take place later this year.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by CBSA and law enforcement agencies to crack down on cross-border drug trafficking, particularly involving commercial transport vehicles.