A sweeping 60-day Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) operation targeting commercial drug smuggling through Southern Ontario ports of entry has led to five arrests and the seizure of massive quantities of narcotics, weapons, and illicit goods.
The enforcement effort — dubbed Project Meridian — focused on intercepting drugs moving through commercial shipping channels. Using advanced detection tools and increased inspections, officers uncovered more than 700 kilograms of cocaine, methamphetamine, khat, opium, and contraband tobacco.
CBSA officials also seized nine firearms, 19 prohibited weapons, approximately 115,000 tins of nicotine, 14,400 vaporizers, and US$93,100 believed to be proceeds of crime.
According to the agency, 90% of all seizures were attempts to smuggle drugs into Canada, while the remaining 10% involved attempted export out of the country.
Arrests and Charges
Among those arrested in the operation:
- Navpreet Singh, 32, of Stoney Creek — accused of attempting to smuggle 108.4 kg of cocaine at the Blue Water Bridge.
- Karan Owaan, 24, of Kingston, and Gagandeep Singh Gharail, 32, of Brampton — charged after officers allegedly intercepted 349.8 kg of methamphetamine at the same port of entry.
All three are charged with importation of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking. - River Donell Goldwire, 25, from Covington, Georgia — arrested at the Peace Bridge for reportedly smuggling a stolen firearm. He faces multiple Criminal Code and Customs Act charges.
- Oshin Sharara Thompson, 31, from Springfield, New York — apprehended at the Peace Bridge after allegedly failing to report US$93,100. She was charged under the Proceeds of Crime and Terrorism Financing Act.
CBSA Response
Michael Prosia, CBSA Regional Director General for Southern Ontario, praised the coordinated effort:
“We have had remarkable success in intercepting smuggling efforts of dangerous narcotics destined to cities throughout the country. The success of Operation Meridian highlights the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between the CBSA and law enforcement partners.”
Project Meridian underscores the growing role of commercial shipping routes in high-volume drug trafficking — and the increasingly aggressive measures being taken to disrupt cross-border criminal networks.