Border Agency Staffer Accused of Leaking Information to Narcotics Ring
Canadian federal police confirm knowledge of claims that a customs employee allegedly provided sensitive operational details to suspects accused of moving illegal drugs across the U.S.-Canada boundary.
Border Agency Staffer Accused of Leaking Information to Narcotics Ring
Federal police in Canada have acknowledged being informed of claims that a government border employee shared confidential operational data with individuals connected to an alleged drug distribution network based in western Canada.
Court documents filed by American prosecutors describe how an unnamed worker at the Canada Border Services Agency allegedly supplied scheduling and location information regarding inspections to a man identified as Gurtej Singh Smagh, who operates out of Creston, British Columbia. This information was allegedly exploited to move cocaine and methamphetamine across the frontier without detection.
The claims arise from a sweeping American-led investigation dubbed "Operation Hard Ball" that targets criminal organizations with ties to India. Prosecutors allege the network, which they link to Ravinder Singh Dhanda, transported hundreds of kilograms of illegal substances into Canada each week using commercial trucks and agricultural vehicles.
A spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police stated the agency typically withholds comment on active matters until formal charges are filed. Both the border agency and the office of the public safety minister refused to discuss specifics, citing the ongoing nature of the case.
Thirty-seven people have been named in American court filings related to the operation, including members of two additional groups allegedly led by men currently incarcerated in India.
This development follows a separate incident in March when a different border officer was accused of allowing a truck containing opium, cannabis derivatives and tobacco to pass through an Ontario crossing.
An academic specializing in security matters noted that criminal enterprises frequently seek to place informants within government institutions to facilitate unlawful commerce.
Source: National Post
Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)