Slug: Drug Bust
Los Angeles
A Canadian national has admitted guilt in a large cross-border drug trafficking case worth millions of dollars, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Guramrit Sidhu, 62, a resident of Brampton, acknowledged that he led a criminal network responsible for moving significant quantities of drugs from the United States into Canada. The United States Department of Justice confirmed that he pleaded guilty to operating a continuing criminal enterprise.
Officials said that from September 2020 to February 2023, the group handled more than 850 kilograms of narcotics, including methamphetamine and cocaine. The total value of the seized drugs was estimated between 15 million and 17 million US dollars.
According to investigators, Sidhu coordinated the transport of drugs using long-haul trucks. He also set up coded identification systems, including specific phone numbers and currency serial numbers, to ensure secure handovers between couriers. Once the shipments reached Canada, they were retrieved and distributed in different regions.
Sidhu was taken into custody and extradited from Canada in October 2024. He is among several individuals charged in a 23-count federal indictment issued in January 2024. Authorities noted that he is the seventh accused to plead guilty, while others involved in the case have already received prison sentences.
The investigation was carried out with the support of multiple agencies from the United States and Canada, reflecting strong international coordination. Sidhu is expected to be sentenced on July 9 and could face a minimum of 20 years in prison, with the possibility of a life sentence.
