IN November of 2023, Raj Kumar Mehmi, a 60-year-old truck driver from Surrey, was sentenced to serve a total of 15 years in prison for smuggling 80 kilograms of cocaine into BC through the Canada-U.S. Pacific Highway border crossing.
Still at large, a warrant for his arrest has been issued.
Mehmi was initially arrested by the BC RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime (FSOC) – Waterfront Joint Force Operation unit (WJFO) on November 6, 2017, after the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) discovered 80 sealed bricks of cocaine hidden inside a semi-trailer truck that Mehmi owned and was driving. At the time of this seizure, the bulk street value of the cocaine was estimated at $3.2 million.
Under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), Mehmi was charged with importation of a controlled substance, and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
On September 6, 2022, a Supreme Court judge found Mehmi guilty on both charges, and a sentencing hearing was scheduled for January 9, 2023.
On October 11, 2022, Mehmi fled to India after boarding a flight from Vancouver, and arriving in New Delhi the following day.
Since Mehmi failed to appear for his sentencing hearing, an application to sentence him in absentia was filed, and subsequently granted on September 15, 2023.
On November 16, 2023, at the Surrey Provincial Court, a judge sentenced Mehmi in absentia to nine years of imprisonment for importation of a controlled substance, and six years of imprisonment for possession for the purpose of trafficking. Mehmi also received a lifetime ban on firearms, restricted, prohibited weapons, a forfeiture order, and DNA order.
“The criminal conviction resulting from this significant drug seizure is a clear demonstration of the CBSA-RCMP Joint Border Strategy’s effectiveness in keeping our border secure. It also highlights the ongoing collaboration between our agencies, and the shared dedication and commitment of our officers, to protecting Canadians from the significant threats posed by transnational organized crime,” said Superintendent Bert Ferreira, Officer in Charge of the BC RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime – Border Integrity Program.
“Our officers are the first line of defence in keeping illicit drugs from crossing Canada’s borders and we are proud to work with the RCMP to ensure those who break our laws are held accountable. The seizure of over $3 million of cocaine at our Pacific Highway border crossing and the subsequent 15-year conviction are a direct result of the strong partnership between our organizations and the diligent work of our officers,” said Director Holly Stoner, CBSA Pacific Region.
A Canada-wide arrest warrant has been issued for Mehmi, while an INTERPOL Red Notice is being sought as a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest Mehmi, pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. If you locate Mehmi, or have information regarding his whereabouts, do not approach him, and contact your local police agency, or anonymously report it through the BC Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-222-8477.
