CHANDIGARH: Nine Indian-origin nationals from Punjab have been arrested in Canada in connection with a drug trafficking network that allegedly moved narcotics through commercial airlines, mail and passenger vehicles. The drugs seized, including methamphetamine, cocaine, ketamine and MDMA, have an estimated street value of $970,000. Firearms were also seized.
Of the nine arrested, six were from Winnipeg and three from Ontario. Those arrested in Winnipeg include Tarundev Singh (32), Devinder Singh (57), Amandeep Singh (47), Mandeep Singh Dutta (37), Karanvir Singh (24) and Maganpreet Boparai (25). In Ontario, the arrested individuals were identified as Tarnvir Sandhu (37), Karan Joshi (34) and Manjinder Singh Sagoo (43).
While Tarundev Singh, Devinder Singh and Karanvir Singh were detained in custody, Amandeep Singh, Mandeep Singh Dutta and Maganpreet Boparai were released on release orders.
In Ontario, Tarnvir Sandhu and Karan Joshi were detained in custody, while Manjinder Singh Sagoo was released on a release order.
The accused face various charges, including drug trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, firearm-related offences, possession of a controlled substance and obstruction of justice.
On August 26, 2026, WPS investigators, assisted by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Peel Regional Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), conducted multiple searches at locations in Winnipeg and the Greater Toronto Area.
The searches led to the seizure of approximately 29 kilograms of methamphetamine (estimated street value: $174,000), 2 kilograms of cocaine (estimated street value: $360,000), 3 kilograms of ketamine (estimated street value: $101,000), 2 kilograms of MDMA (estimated street value: $5,000), 1,800 LSD tabs (estimated street value: $9,000), 25,000 prescription opioid and other controlled-substance pills (estimated street value: $312,000), 31 grams of heroin (estimated street value: $3,000) and 207 cannabis edible packages (estimated street value: $2,000).
Police also recovered approximately $126,000 in Canadian currency, six firearms, more than 800 rounds of ammunition, a conducted energy weapon and four vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz GLC300, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Cruze and Cadillac CTS.
The Winnipeg Police have said that the investigators identified several individuals involved in the network and determined that the illicit drugs were being sourced from Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta and transported into Manitoba.
The investigation revealed the drugs were being transported to Winnipeg using various methods, including passenger vehicles, courier services, postal shipments, and commercial airlines.
The police further stated, “Once in Winnipeg, the drugs were delivered to designated properties, where they were retrieved, stored, and subsequently distributed through various levels of the illicit drug trade."
The success of the investigation was supported by collaboration with several law enforcement and federal partners, including the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Peel Regional Police, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
The arrests were made under Project Pink Panther, an investigation launched by the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) Organised Crime Unit in December 2025. Funded by Manitoba Justice, the investigation focused on an organised crime group suspected of trafficking drugs from Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta into Manitoba.