Kamalpreet Singh, a 28-year-old from Calgary, has been charged with importing a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, and smuggling, worth $3 Million.
On November 19, officers from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) discovered 52 kilograms of cocaine during a secondary examination of a commercial truck trailer at the Coutts, Alta., border crossing. The drugs, with an estimated value of $3 million, were confiscated from the trailer, and the case was handed over to the Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) for further inquiry.
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According to RCMP Supt. Sean Boser, “As a result of the strong working relationship between agencies in this joint force operation, we successfully disrupted the importation and trafficking of harmful drugs into Canada.”
IBET operates as a collaborative effort involving the RCMP, CBSA, and the Calgary Police Service.
Janalee Bell-Boychuk, CBSA regional director general for the prairies, highlighted this case as another instance of successful cooperation between the RCMP and the border agency. She stated, “The safety and security of Canadians is our government’s top priority. By stopping illegal drugs at the border, we’re reducing the risk of harm to Canadians and keeping our communities safe.”
Emphasizing public safety, CPS Supt. Cory Dayley stated, “Working together, we have prevented another large quantity of illicit drugs from reaching our city and communities across Alberta, which in turn has prevented criminal activity associated with the drug trade. This continued success proves how important our partnership is to maintaining safety for all Albertans.”
Singh is scheduled to appear in Lethbridge Provincial Court on January 2, 2024.