Calgary man charged after CBSA seizes 108 kg of cocaine at Coutts border
A Calgary man is facing drug trafficking charges after border officers seized more than 100 kilograms of cocaine from a transport truck at the Coutts border crossing.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said officers stopped the commercial vehicle and sent it to secondary inspection on March 8, where they found approximately 108 kg of suspected cocaine hidden in the cargo. The estimated street value of the drugs is nearly $3 million.
The Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), a joint team of RCMP, CBSA and Calgary Police Service officers, were called in to investigate. Police arrested 26-year-old Arshdeep Singh of Calgary, and charged him with importation of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. He is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Lethbridge on May 7.
Authorities highlight interagency cooperation
CBSA regional director Ben Tame said seizures like this are key to protecting Canadian communities.
“Stopping dangerous drugs from coming into Canada is part of our commitment to keeping our communities safe,” Tame said in a statement. “This seizure demonstrates the vital work of our border services officers and the importance of strong partnerships with the RCMP and Calgary police.”
RCMP Supt. Sean Boser, who oversees federal serious and organized crime in Alberta, said the operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-sharing between agencies.
“Thanks to collaboration between enforcement teams, a significant load of cocaine was intercepted before it could reach Alberta communities,” Boser said. “This case underscores the need for a strong and secure border to prevent illicit drugs from causing harm.”
Calgary police Supt. Jeff Bell said working together is critical in fighting drug trafficking.
“Intercepting drugs before they hit the streets makes our communities safer,” Bell said. “We remain committed to disrupting criminal organizations and keeping these harmful substances out of Canadian cities.”
The Coutts crossing has been the site of several major drug seizures in recent months, as law enforcement agencies step up efforts to curb cross-border trafficking.