Operation Meridian Seizes Hundreds of Kilograms of Illegal Drugs, Firearms, and Proceeds of Crime
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of large quantities of illegal drugs, weapons, and suspected proceeds of crime following a major enforcement initiative at several key ports of entry across Southern Ontario. The 60-day targeted operation, known as Project Meridian, aimed to disrupt the cross-border movement of narcotics through commercial transportation channels, an area officials say remains a preferred method for organized crime groups.
According to the CBSA, the results of the operation demonstrate the ongoing effectiveness of intensified border examinations, advanced detection tools, and coordinated efforts with law enforcement partners in Canada and the United States.
A Two-Month Crackdown Focused on Commercial Smuggling Routes
Heightened Screening and Detection Measures
The CBSA reports that Operation Meridian focused on commercial shipments moving in and out of Canada through major Ontario border crossings. Officers employed specialized detection technology, targeted risk assessments, and increased inspection frequency to uncover hidden narcotics, contraband, and currency linked to criminal activity.
These enhanced enforcement measures were designed to disrupt both import and export attempts, though officials stated that the “vast majority” of illegal activity involved smuggling into Canada.
“Roughly 90 per cent of these seizures were attempts to smuggle into Canada, while 10 per cent involved export violations,” the CBSA noted in its statement.
Massive Seizures Highlight Scope of Criminal Activity
During the 60-day operation, officers intercepted:
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More than 700 kilograms of illicit drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, khat, opium, and contraband tobacco
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Nine firearms and 19 additional prohibited or restricted weapons
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Over 115,000 tins of illegal nicotine products
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14,400 vapourizers
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US$93,100 in suspected proceeds of crime
CBSA officials emphasized that these substances, if successfully smuggled into or out of the country, would likely have contributed to criminal networks operating across Canada and the United States.
Five Arrested in Connection With Cross-Border Smuggling Attempts
The CBSA identified five individuals who were arrested as part of Operation Meridian. Each case involved separate smuggling attempts at either the Blue Water Bridge or the Peace Bridge—both major commercial entry points between Canada and the U.S.
Three Charged in Major Cocaine and Meth Seizures at Blue Water Bridge
108 Kilograms of Cocaine Intercepted
At the Blue Water Bridge port of entry, officers arrested Navpreet Singh, 32, of Stoney Creek, after allegedly discovering 108.4 kilograms of cocaine concealed within a commercial shipment. The CBSA stated that the drugs were strategically hidden to avoid detection, but advanced screening tools revealed inconsistencies that led to a thorough examination.
349 Kilograms of Methamphetamine Seized
In a separate incident at the same location, officers intercepted an even larger narcotics shipment. According to the CBSA, Karan Owaan, 24, of Kingston, and Gagandeep Singh Gharail, 32, of Brampton, attempted to smuggle 349.8 kilograms of methamphetamine into Canada. The drugs were reportedly packaged and stored in a manner consistent with organized trafficking operations.
Both Owaan and Gharail were arrested on-site.
Serious Trafficking Charges Filed
All three individuals—Singh, Owaan, and Gharail—now face charges including:
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Importation of a controlled substance
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Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking
These offences carry significant penalties under Canadian law, including lengthy prison sentences.
Weapons and Currency Smuggling Attempts Foiled at Peace Bridge
Georgia Man Arrested With Stolen Firearm
At the Peace Bridge, CBSA officers arrested 25-year-old River Donell Goldwire of Covington, Georgia, after he allegedly attempted to bring a stolen firearm across the border. During the secondary examination, officers discovered the weapon hidden within his belongings.
Goldwire now faces several charges under both the Customs Act and the Criminal Code of Canada, including firearm possession offences and charges relating to false declarations at the border.
US$93,100 in Undeclared Cash Leads to Arrest
In another case at the same crossing, officers detained Oshin Sharara Thompson, 31, of Springfield, New York, on September 17 after she attempted to cross the border without declaring US$93,100. Under Canadian law, individuals must declare currency or monetary instruments valued at C$10,000 or more upon entry.
After determining the funds were undeclared and potentially linked to criminal activity, the CBSA arrested Thompson and charged her under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act.
CBSA Officials Highlight Success of Coordinated Enforcement
A Strong Message to Organized Crime
Officials say the results of Operation Meridian underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-driven enforcement and cross-agency collaboration.
“We have had remarkable success in intercepting smuggling efforts of dangerous narcotics destined to cities throughout the country,” said Michael Prosia, Regional Director General for the CBSA in Southern Ontario.
He added that the operation’s success reflects the strength of the agency’s partnerships with law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border, as well as the importance of ongoing vigilance at commercial entry points.
Continued Pressure on Smuggling Networks
Prosia emphasized that coordinated operations like Meridian are essential in combating organized crime, which frequently relies on commercial routes to transport large quantities of illegal substances.
“The success of Operation Meridian highlights the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between the CBSA and law enforcement partners,” he said.
He also noted that the CBSA will continue to invest in detection technology, frontline training, and intelligence gathering to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated smuggling techniques.
Growing Role of Ontario Border Crossings in Drug Interdiction
Commercial Ports as Key Targets
Southern Ontario contains several of the busiest border crossings in the country, making it a focal point for law enforcement. The Blue Water Bridge, Peace Bridge, and Ambassador Bridge collectively handle thousands of commercial shipments daily. As traffickers increasingly use transport trucks and cargo shipments to conceal illicit materials, officers must rely on technological advancements and intelligence insight to identify suspicious loads.
A High-Stakes Battle Against Organized Crime
Drug trafficking through commercial channels poses significant risks. Successful smuggling operations can funnel dangerous narcotics into Canadian cities, fueling addiction, violence, and organized crime. The massive seizures made during Operation Meridian illustrate not only the scale of the threat but also the potential harm that was prevented.
Conclusion: Operation Meridian Marks a Significant Win—but the Work Continues
The arrests and seizures resulting from the CBSA’s two-month Operation Meridian reinforce the ongoing challenges of combating cross-border crime. With more than 700 kilograms of drugs, multiple weapons, and large amounts of undeclared cash intercepted, the operation represents a major win for border security and community safety.
However, CBSA officials caution that criminal networks continue to adapt. As such, the agency remains committed to ongoing surveillance, targeted operations, and partnerships with domestic and international law enforcement agencies.
For now, Operation Meridian stands as a clear signal: smugglers attempting to exploit Ontario’s ports of entry for criminal activity will face strong, coordinated, and relentless enforcement.
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