Ontario 1.7 Tonnes Narcotics Seized as Canada Arrests Several Indian Nationals in Cross-Border Drug Bust

Canada – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – Ontario 1.7 tonnes narcotics seized in one of the province’s biggest drug busts ever. Police say the operation, called Project Bay, uncovered a large network moving illegal drugs across the Canada-US border.

The seizure took place in Windsor, Ontario. Officers also found a large anti-tank rifle and other firearms during the raids, on top of the drugs. Police called it a major hit against organized crime in the region.

The full details came out at a news conference in Windsor. Investigators worked on this case for many months before making their move. The size of the haul surprised even experienced officers.

Nineteen people were arrested in total, and most of them are believed to be of Indian origin. Two more suspects are still on the run. Police are actively searching for them.

Many of those held are truck drivers who allegedly agreed to move the illegal drugs across the border. They reportedly hid the narcotics inside regular cargo loads. This made the shipments harder for border agents to spot at first glance.

The drugs seized include some of the most dangerous substances on the streets today. Investigators say the haul included suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, and opium. All three drugs carry serious health and legal risks for users.

The street value of the drugs comes to nearly $139 million. That makes this one of the largest single drug seizures in Ontario’s history. Police say the case shows how deep cross-border smuggling networks can run.

Investigators believe the group used a broker-style system inside the commercial trucking industry. This means the traffickers built ties with real freight companies to move their loads. It let them blend illegal shipments in with normal, legal cargo.

The investigation did not happen overnight. Windsor Police started looking into the network back in January 2025. The Canada Border Services Agency joined the case the next month to help build it further.

More police units joined as the case grew bigger. Ontario Provincial Police later stepped in to support the cross-border and interprovincial parts of the probe. U.S. agencies also lent a hand, since the network crossed international lines.

Police say this case proves how trucking routes can be misused for crime. Honest drivers and freight firms often have no idea their industry is being exploited this way. Investigators hope the arrests send a clear warning to others running similar operations.

Charges against the accused are still moving through the courts. Police have not ruled out more arrests as the case continues. Officials say the fight against cross-border drug networks is far from over.

This bust adds to a string of recent cross-border drug cases in Ontario. Task forces across Canada and the US continue to work together on these networks. Officials say stronger cooperation between agencies is helping catch bigger smuggling rings faster than before.