CBSA Intercepts Massive Drug Shipment in Alberta
A Calgary man was arrested at the Coutts border crossing after CBSA officers seized 108 kg of cocaine hidden in a commercial transport truck
Calgary, AB – A major drug bust at the Coutts port of entry has resulted in the arrest of a Calgary resident after Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers discovered 108 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a commercial transport vehicle.
The vehicle, which had crossed into southern Alberta from the United States, was selected for a secondary inspection on March 8, 2025. Officers uncovered the concealed drugs, leading to a joint investigation by the Integrated Border Enforcement Team, which includes RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region, CBSA, and the Calgary Police Service.
Arrest and Charges
The driver, Arshdeep Singh, 26, of Calgary, was arrested and charged with:
- Importation of a controlled substance – Section 6(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking – Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Singh is scheduled to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Lethbridge on May 7, 2025.
Law Enforcement Officials Respond
CBSA officials emphasized the importance of border security in preventing dangerous drugs from reaching Canadian streets.
“Stopping dangerous drugs from coming into Canada is part of the CBSA’s commitment to keeping our communities and our streets safe. This significant seizure demonstrates the important work being done by our border services officers as we continue to secure and protect our border alongside our law enforcement partners, the RCMP and the Calgary Police Service.”
— Ben Tame, Director, Southern Alberta and Southern Saskatchewan District, CBSA
RCMP officials highlighted the success of cross-agency collaboration in keeping drugs off the streets.
“Thanks to the collaboration between agencies, a significant load of cocaine was intercepted before it could bring harm to communities throughout Alberta and drug trafficking charges were laid against the driver. This successful operation highlights the importance of a strong and secure border as well as the teamwork and shared intelligence required to protect the public from the devastating impacts of illicit drugs.”
— Supt. Sean Boser, Officer in Charge of Federal Serious and Organized Crime and Border Integrity – Alberta, RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region
The Calgary Police Service echoed the sentiment, stressing the dangerous impact of drug trafficking.
“Working together with our law enforcement partners is key to stopping drug trafficking. By intercepting these drugs, which came through the USA, we’ve kept harmful substances out of our communities and collectively made our cities safer. Together, we remain committed to preserving public safety and disrupting these criminal organizations.”
— Supt. Jeff Bell, Criminal Operations & Intelligence Division, Calgary Police Service
Border Security and Drug Trafficking in Canada
This case highlights ongoing efforts by Canadian law enforcement to crack down on drug smuggling operations, particularly at high-traffic border crossings like Coutts. The seizure of 108 kg of cocaine, a multi-million-dollar haul, represents a major disruption to criminal networks operating across international borders.
At question would be the apparent complete failure of President Donald Trump’s law enforcement and border security as the cocaine likely originated south of the United States and made its way into the US without being detected.
Authorities urge anyone with information on drug trafficking to report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
