In a massive operation that has stunned both domestic and international security agencies, Peel Regional Police announced a historic cocaine seizure under the banner of “Project Pelican.” This multi-jurisdictional investigation led to the recovery of 479 kilograms of pure cocaine—valued at an estimated $47.9 million CAD—making it the largest such seizure in Canadian history.
But beyond the sheer volume of narcotics, what has truly shaken law enforcement and geopolitical circles alike is the discovery that this drug ring was allegedly funding anti-India activities through a transnational narco-terror network. The operation highlights a disturbing nexus between organized crime, international terrorism, and domestic vulnerabilities in Canada.
Unpacking “Project Pelican”
Initiated several months ago, Project Pelican was a joint investigation involving Peel Regional Police, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), RCMP, and international intelligence partners. According to Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah, the operation stemmed from intelligence regarding suspicious cargo moving through the Greater Toronto Area.
“Every line we traced brought us closer to something more sinister,” Chief Duraiappah stated during a press conference. “What began as a narcotics probe soon developed into a counter-terrorism concern.”
Over a dozen individuals have been arrested so far, with law enforcement continuing to probe links to international criminal syndicates. Arrest warrants and deportation hearings are also expected in the coming weeks as investigations evolve.
The Cocaine Cache: Scale and Sophistication
The seized 479 kilograms of cocaine were expertly concealed in industrial containers and distributed via a well-coordinated supply chain rooted in South America, routed through multiple transit hubs in the U.S., and finally landing in Peel Region, Ontario.
Police uncovered hidden compartments, high-frequency encrypted devices, and fake corporate documents—all of which signal the involvement of a highly organized criminal enterprise.
International Implications: Alleged Anti-India Financing
Perhaps the most disturbing revelation is that a significant portion of the drug proceeds was allegedly channeled into anti-India operations, possibly financing Khalistani separatist groups and extremist networks. This has led to strong reactions from Indian officials, who have called upon Canadian authorities to tighten national security protocols and surveillance of diaspora-linked radical groups.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded with a formal request for coordinated anti-terror cooperation, pointing to “Project Pelican” as an example of the misuse of Canadian soil for hostile agendas.
📌 Reference: Read the full report by Times of India
Peel Region: A Growing Focal Point
Peel Region, which includes cities like Mississauga and Brampton, has long been a logistical hub due to its proximity to Toronto Pearson International Airport. However, this latest bust highlights its vulnerability to international trafficking operations, especially those masking their activities under legitimate trade or cultural fronts.
Local lawmakers have called for increased border scrutiny, AI-based cargo screening, and enhanced community surveillance measures.
Political Fallout and Community Reactions
The case has reignited debates within Canadian political circles about immigration screening, diaspora activism, and the freedom-security tradeoff. Conservative MPs are demanding stronger counter-terror financing frameworks, while Liberal lawmakers have emphasized community engagement and intelligence sharing to avoid stigmatization.
Community leaders in Brampton and Mississauga have issued statements condemning the misuse of cultural identities for criminal agendas while urging for continued vigilance.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Canada
“Project Pelican” is more than just another drug bust—it is a critical national security case that reveals how transnational organized crime can intertwine with terror financing and geopolitical agendas.
As Peel Police and their national and international partners continue to peel back the layers of this complex operation, Canadians are left grappling with a stark reality: the war on drugs is no longer just about substances—it’s about sovereignty, foreign policy, and public safety.
Follow-Up Action
Stay tuned for updates from Peel Police and federal security agencies. If you have any information related to the case or suspicious activity, contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
