Historic Cocaine Seizure: Transnational Criminal Network Dismantled in Project Pelican

Source: Peel Police

Region of Peel, June 11, 2025 – Peel Regional Police, in coordination with national and international partners, have dismantled a major transnational organized criminal network smuggling cocaine into the Greater Toronto Area. Known as Project Pelican, the year-long investigation resulted in the largest drug seizure in the department’s history: 479 kilograms of cocaine, valued at $47.9 million.

Initiated in June 2024, the investigation uncovered a network using commercial trucking routes from the U.S. into Canada. By November, authorities had identified individuals, trucking companies, and storage facilities linked to the network, working alongside the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the U.S. DEA, and Homeland Security Investigations in Detroit.

From February to May 2025, key interceptions included:

• 127 kg of cocaine hidden in a trailer at the Ambassador Bridge (Windsor)

• 50 kg of cocaine seized at the Blue Water Bridge (Point Edward)

Additional seizures took place across the GTA, some involving suspects in possession of loaded, illegal firearms.

The following nine Ontario men were arrested and face a total of 35 charges:

• Hao Tommy Huynh, 27, Mississauga

• Sajgith Yogendrarajah, 31, Toronto

• Manpreet Singh, 44, Brampton

• Philip Tep, 39, Hamilton

• Arvinder Powar, 29, Brampton

• Karamjit Singh, 36, Caledon

• Gurtej Singh, 36, Caledon

• Sartaj Singh, 27, Cambridge

• Shiv Onkar Singh, 31, Georgetown

In addition to the 479 kg of cocaine, officers seized two loaded semi-automatic handguns. The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton for bail hearings.

“Project Pelican shows what’s possible when police have the tools they need to keep Ontario safe,” said Michael S. Kerzner, Ontario Solicitor General.

“Thanks to strong collaboration and determination, a criminal network is no longer threatening our streets,” added Chief Nishan Duraiappah.