Peel police make biggest bust in force’s history with over $25M worth of drugs seized

Members of Peel Regional Police’s Specialized Enforcement Bureau (SEB) joined forces with U.S. Homeland Security to bring down an international drug trafficking enterprise and seized the largest quantity of illegal drugs in the force’s history.

The investigation called “Project Zucaritas” lasted for 11 months and resulted in the seizure of over $25 million worth of drugs.

The project started in November 2021 when SEB identified suspects related to the illegal distribution of illicit drugs in the GTA.

Subsequent investigation revealed an intricate drug trafficking enterprise that spanned international borders.

The illegal substances seized include 182 kilograms of methamphetamine, 166 kilograms of cocaine, and 38 kilograms of ketamine.

“Our Specialized Enforcement Bureau, both civilian and uniform members, worked tirelessly to bring this investigation to a successful outcome,” Inspector Todd Custance said. “The seizures of these drugs represent a significant financial impact to organized crime, which in turn will limit their ability to finance future illicit activities.”

The investigation revealed that members of this group used commercial trucking businesses to transport drugs from the United States directly to the Region of Peel and surrounding areas.

The 11-month investigation identified several group members at various levels of the organization:

• Khalilullah Amin, 46-year-old man from Caledon has been charged with two counts of trafficking in controlled substances.
• Jaspreet Singh, 28-year-old man from Brampton has been charged with one count of trafficking in a controlled substance, and one count of possession of property obtained by crime.
• Wray Ip, 27-year-old man from Richmond Hill has been charged with four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
• Ravinder Boparai, 27-year-old man from Mississauga has been charged with one count of possession of property obtained by crime, and one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
• Gurdeep Gakhal, 38-year-old man from Caledon has been charged with one count of trafficking in a controlled substance.

Investigators have also identified two transfer hubs allegedly involved in the distribution of illicit drugs:

• North King Logistics, a commercial trucking company located at 50 Steeles Ave. in Milton.
• Friend Furniture, a business located at 2835 Argentia Rd. in Mississauga.

Funding provided by the Government of Ontario and Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (C.I.S.O) helped Peel police conduct this investigation.

“Guns, gangs and drugs are of the highest priority for our service. With funding from the C.I.S.O. and collaborations with the enforcement community, our investigators have made a significant impact to organized crime in our Region,” Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said.

To disrupt and dismantle this group, SEB liaised with the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations in Detroit and Chicago, and Border Enforcement Security Task Force in Buffalo.

Anyone with information that could assist police with this investigation are asked to contact SEB at 905-453-2121 ext. 3515.