Canada arrests 9 Punjab-origin men in drug bust, seizes narcotics worth nearly C$1 million

Nine men of Punjab origin have been arrested in Canada for their alleged involvement in an interprovincial drug trafficking network that supplied narcotics to Manitoba from several provinces. The arrests followed an investigation by the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS), which led to the seizure of drugs estimated to be worth approximately C$970,000, along with firearms, ammunition and cash.

The operation, named Project Pink Panther, was launched by the WPS Organised Crime Unit in December 2025. Funded by Manitoba Justice, the investigation targeted an organised crime group suspected of trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine and prescription opioids into Manitoba.

According to the police, the network sourced illicit substances from Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta before transporting them to Manitoba through various channels.

How the drug trafficking network operated

Investigators found that the accused were allegedly using passenger vehicles, courier services, postal shipments and commercial airlines to transport narcotics into Winnipeg.

Once the consignments reached the city, the drugs were taken to designated properties, where they were collected, stored and subsequently distributed through different levels of underground drug networks.

The investigation involved coordination between several law enforcement and federal agencies, including the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Peel Regional Police (PRP) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

Nearly C$1 million worth of drugs seized

On August 26, 2026, investigators from the WPS, assisted by the CBSA, OPP, PRP and RCMP, executed multiple search warrants at locations in Winnipeg and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

The searches, which also covered Toronto, Brampton and Alliston in Ontario, resulted in the seizure of approximately 29 kg of methamphetamine, 12 kg of cocaine, 3 kg of ketamine and 2 kg of MDMA.

Police also recovered around 1,800 LSD tablets, 25,000 prescription opioid and other controlled-substance pills, 31 grammes of heroin and 207 packages of cannabis edibles.

The estimated street value of the seized substances was approximately C$970,000. The breakdown provided by the WPS put the value of methamphetamine at C$174,000, cocaine at C$360,000, ketamine at C$101,000, MDMA at C$5,000, LSD at C$9,000, prescription opioids and other controlled-substance pills at C$312,000, heroin at C$3,000 and cannabis edibles at C$2,000.

Apart from the narcotics, officers seized approximately C$126,000 in Canadian currency, six firearms and more than 800 rounds of ammunition. The firearms included two .22 calibre rifles, three 12-gauge shotguns and an SKS-style rifle.

A conducted energy weapon and four vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz GLC300, Chevrolet Silverado 2500 LTZ Crew Cab, Chevrolet Cruze LT Turbo and Cadillac CTS, were also confiscated.

Who are the nine arrested?

The nine accused, aged between 24 and 57, include six men arrested in Winnipeg and three apprehended in Ontario.

Those arrested in Winnipeg were identified as Tarundev Singh, 32, his father Devinder Singh, 57, Amandeep Singh, 47, Mandeep Singh Dutta, 37, Karanvir Singh, 24, and Maganpreet Boparai, 25.

Tarundev Singh faces charges related to drug trafficking, possession, proceeds of crime and firearm-related offences. His father, Devinder Singh, has been charged with drug trafficking and offences related to proceeds of crime.

Amandeep Singh faces drug trafficking and proceeds-of-crime charges, while Mandeep Singh Dutta has been charged with weapon possession and obstructing justice. Karanvir Singh faces charges involving possession of a controlled substance, identified as opium, and unsafe storage of a firearm. Maganpreet Boparai faces firearms-related charges.

The three men arrested in Ontario were identified as Tarnvir Sandhu, 37, Karan Joshi, 34, and Manjinder Singh Sagoo, 43. All three face charges related to drug trafficking and proceeds of crime.

According to the WPS, Tarundev Singh, Devinder Singh and Karanvir Singh, along with Tarnvir Sandhu and Karan Joshi, were detained in custody. Amandeep Singh, Mandeep Singh Dutta, Maganpreet Boparai and Manjinder Singh Sagoo were released on release orders.

The investigation and subsequent arrests mark a major crackdown on an alleged interprovincial drug trafficking network operating between several Canadian provinces.