The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced a sweeping series of arrests and seizures following a two-month enforcement initiative targeting drug trafficking through commercial ports of entry in Southern Ontario. The results of the operation, made public Friday, reveal a complex network attempting to move large quantities of illicit narcotics, weapons, and contraband across the border—an effort CBSA officials say has now been significantly disrupted.
Operation Meridian, described by the agency as a “targeted” 60-day investigation, led to the seizure of more than 700 kilograms of illegal drugs, multiple firearms, prohibited weapons, tens of thousands of nicotine products, and over US$93,000 in suspected crime proceeds. Five individuals have now been charged in connection with the operation.
A Coordinated Effort to Stop Cross-Border Drug Flow
CBSA expands screening amid rising concerns
According to the CBSA, Operation Meridian focused specifically on commercial shipments entering and leaving the country through Southern Ontario’s busiest land-border crossings. Over the past year, officials have expressed concern that organized crime groups are increasingly using legitimate commercial channels as cover for trafficking operations.
During the 60-day period, border officers intensified examinations, deployed advanced detection tools, and conducted targeted inspections of high-risk shipments. The aim, the agency said, was to disrupt both inbound and outbound smuggling attempts, particularly those involving high-value narcotics destined for distribution networks across Canada.
CBSA officials emphasized that the region’s strategic location—with multiple international crossings such as the Blue Water Bridge and Peace Bridge—makes it a key entry point for criminal organizations attempting to exploit commercial supply chains.
Massive Haul: More Than 700 Kilograms of Drugs Seized
Breakdown of seizures under Operation Meridian
The scale of the operation’s results underscores the magnitude of trafficking efforts uncovered by border officers. In total, CBSA reported seizing:
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Over 700 kg of illicit narcotics, including:
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Cocaine
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Methamphetamine
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Khat
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Opium
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Contraband tobacco
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Nine firearms
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19 additional prohibited or restricted weapons
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More than 115,000 tins of nicotine
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14,400 vaporizers
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US$93,100 believed to be proceeds of crime
The agency noted that roughly 90 percent of seizures involved attempts to smuggle contraband into Canada, while the remaining 10 percent related to items being illegally exported.
Michael Prosia, CBSA’s Regional Director General for Southern Ontario, called the outcome “remarkable,” emphasizing that the seized narcotics were destined for communities across the country. “The success of Operation Meridian highlights the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between the CBSA and law-enforcement partners,” Prosia said.
Five Individuals Arrested in Connection With Smuggling Attempts
Charges laid across multiple ports of entry
As part of the operation, CBSA identified and arrested five individuals—three Canadians and two U.S. citizens—at two major ports of entry. Each case, authorities say, reflects a different method of smuggling or violation of customs and financial reporting laws.
H3: Three Arrested for Major Meth and Cocaine Smuggling at Blue Water Bridge
The Blue Water Bridge, which connects Sarnia, Ontario, to Port Huron, Michigan, is one of the busiest commercial crossings in Canada. During Operation Meridian, it became central to multiple large-scale drug seizures.
Navpreet Singh, 32, of Stoney Creek
Singh was arrested after border officers allegedly discovered 108.4 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a commercial shipment entering Canada. He now faces charges of:
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Importation of a controlled substance
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Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking
Karan Owaan, 24, of Kingston, and Gagandeep Singh Gharail, 32, of Brampton
In a separate incident at the same port, officers intercepted a shipment allegedly containing 349.8 kilograms of methamphetamine. Both Owaan and Gharail were taken into custody and charged with:
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Importation of a controlled substance
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Possession for the purpose of trafficking
CBSA officials said the meth seizure represents one of the operation’s single largest drug interceptions and may be linked to wider criminal supply networks.
H3: U.S. Citizens Arrested at Peace Bridge for Firearm and Currency Offences
The Peace Bridge in Fort Erie was the site of two additional arrests. In both cases, CBSA officers identified serious violations involving firearms and undeclared cash.
River Donell Goldwire, 25, of Covington, Georgia
Goldwire was arrested after officers allegedly discovered a stolen firearm during an inspection. He is now facing multiple charges under both the Customs Act and the Criminal Code, including:
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Smuggling
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Possession of a prohibited firearm
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Possession of stolen property
CBSA emphasized that the interception of firearms at the border remains a top priority for the agency.
Oshin Sharara Thompson, 31, of Springfield, New York
Thompson was apprehended on September 17 after failing to report US$93,100 while attempting to cross into Canada. Officers seized the currency and charged her under the Proceeds of Crime and Terrorism Financing Act.
The agency noted that undeclared large sums of cash are frequently connected to organized crime activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and cross-border smuggling operations.
A Closer Look at the Criminal Trends Identified
Increasing use of commercial channels
Authorities involved in Operation Meridian say the results confirm a troubling trend: organized crime groups are increasingly attempting to embed illicit cargo within legitimate commercial shipments. This method allows traffickers to exploit the volume and complexity of cross-border trade, making detection more difficult.
Large quantities of cocaine and meth, such as those seized at the Blue Water Bridge, are often concealed within goods like produce, manufacturing equipment, or mixed cargo. CBSA’s enhanced inspection efforts during the operation relied on risk-assessment intelligence and advanced scanning tools to detect anomalies.
Contraband nicotine and vaporizers surge
One of the operation’s significant findings—beyond narcotics—was the seizure of over 115,000 tins of nicotine and 14,400 vape products. CBSA officials say the illicit tobacco and vaping market has grown rapidly, fueled by organized crime networks seeking high-profit, low-risk revenue streams.
Smuggled nicotine products are often trafficked in bulk and sold illegally to avoid taxes and regulatory restrictions.
Impact and Implications for Public Safety
Disrupting distribution networks across Canada
CBSA stated that the drugs seized were destined for multiple Canadian cities and, if successfully smuggled, could have fueled widespread distribution. The interception of more than 700 kilograms of narcotics is expected to have a significant impact on the supply chain for criminal organizations operating within Canada.
Beyond drug trafficking, the seizure of firearms and proceeds of crime underscores the interconnected nature of these networks, where weapons, cash, and narcotics are frequently moved together.
Importance of multi-agency cooperation
Authorities credited collaboration with domestic and international partners—including law-enforcement agencies in the United States—for the success of Operation Meridian. Strong cross-border coordination allowed officers to identify high-risk shipments, track movement patterns, and intercept contraband before it dispersed into Canadian markets.
CBSA’s Ongoing Commitment to Enforcement
Operation Meridian is part of a broader series of initiatives aimed at strengthening border integrity and dismantling organized crime networks. The agency said it will continue investing in detection technologies, intelligence-driven enforcement, and targeted operations across key ports of entry.
“We have had remarkable success in intercepting smuggling efforts of dangerous narcotics destined to cities throughout the country,” Regional Director General Michael Prosia said. “This operation shows what is possible when our teams and partners work together toward a common goal.”
Conclusion: A Significant Blow to Cross-Border Trafficking
The arrests and massive seizures resulting from Operation Meridian mark one of Southern Ontario’s most substantial recent border-enforcement successes. With five individuals now facing serious charges and more than 700 kilograms of narcotics kept off the streets, CBSA officials say the operation has dealt a meaningful blow to smuggling operations exploiting commercial trade routes.
As investigations continue, the CBSA maintains that protecting Canada’s borders remains a top priority — and Operation Meridian demonstrates the powerful impact of coordinated, intelligence-driven action.
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