ON March 31, 2021, a commercial truck driven by Harvinder Singh, 25, of Brampton entered Canada using the Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward, Ontario, and was referred for a secondary examination.

During the examination, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers discovered and seized approximately 62 kg of suspected cocaine, valued at approximately $3.5 million.

The CBSA arrested the driver, Harvinder Singh, and transferred him to the custody of RCMP officers from Windsor Detachment, who conducted the investigation. The RCMP charged Harvinder Singh with importation of a controlled substance, and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Kirk Munroe found Harvinder Singh guilty of both charges last August. This month, the judge sentenced him to 11 years in prison for importation and nine years for trafficking. Both sentences will run concurrently.

The judge noted that Harvinder Singh “certainly knew what he was doing and knew it was unlawful.”

His lawyer noted that his client was a permanent resident and would be likely be deported after serving his sentence and asked the judge to recommend early deportation, However, the federal prosecutor opposed that suggestion and the judge agreed with him.