Drugs hidden within shipment of fabric softener: Indian-origin Canadian resident arrested in New York with 109 kilograms of cocaine
31-year-old Vishavpal Singh, an Indian residing in Canada, was arrested and charged for possession of drugs with the intent to distribute -- a charge that carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000.The arrest was made after Singh entered New York after his cross-country trip.
US attorney Michael DiGiacomo said this was one of the largest seizures ever at international border crossings in the Western District of New York.
'The investigative efforts of our law enforcement partners is a very important step in preventing this vast amount of illegal narcotics from ending up on the streets of our community, and those attempting to smuggle this cocaine into our neighborhoods will be held accountable," the attorney said.
Singh was transporting hundreds of pounds of cocaine through multiple states but federal agents kept an eye on his tractor-trailer. After it entered New York, it was stopped and agents uncovered 108 kilos of cocaine inside boxes comingled within a large shipment of fabric softener.
Truck driver Singh was associated with a previous seizure of approximately 228 kilograms of cocaine in July 2025, at the Detroit Ambassador Bridge Port of Entry.
An individual, identified as Pawanjit Gill, was arrested after bulk quantities of cocaine were found during an inspection of his outbound traveling commercial vehicle. The arrest of Gill led the investigators to Singh.
As investigators were already tailing Singh, they were alerted when Singh started traveling within the United States with his tractor-trailer.
Singh made an initial appearance before US.Magistrate Judge Michael J.
Roemer and is being held pending a detention hearing on August 19.
According to Justice Department documents, this case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
Jail Bhej Do, Lekin Beti Ko Musalman…: Bihar Mother's Cry In Viral Video Sparks online Outrage
A viral video circulating on Instagram has drawn widespread attention to the safety of girls and the need for stricter protective measures. In the video, a distressed mother was heard saying, 'Jail bhej do, lekin apni beti ko Musalman ke saath kabhi nahi jaane dungi,' expressing her fear that her daughter was being misled. The video is claimed to be of Muzaffarpur, Bihar. The family in the video appears deeply troubled, struggling to protect their daughter from someone they believed was attempting to exploit her. The incident has raised concerns about child safety and emphasized the responsibility of society to protect young girls, regardless of religion or community. Exploitation or misleading a minor is a serious crime under Indian law. Social media users have highlighted the importance of parental awareness, community vigilance, and strict enforcement of existing laws to prevent such incidents. The involvement of Police officials trying to control the situation could already be seen in the video. While details about the alleged individual involved have not been disclosed yet, the video has sparked several discussions online and in local communities about the importance of protecting minors and promoting awareness. Users on social media are suggesting to maintain open, supportive communication with their children to safeguard their well-being.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
All about the Himanshu Bhau gang that claimed responsibility for firing at Elvish Yadav's home
Tension gripped Gurgaon on Sunday after unidentified assailants opened fire outside the residence of popular YouTuber and Bigg Boss OTT winner Elvish Yadav. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Yadav was not at home during the attack, though his family members were present inside the house at the time. His father, Ram Avtar Yadav, confirmed that CCTV footage captured three masked attackers, two of whom are clearly identifiable. Police have since secured the area and are examining the footage closely as part of their ongoing investigation. Independence Day 2025 Modi signals new push for tech independence with local chips Before Trump, British used tariffs to kill Indian textile Bank of Azad Hind: When Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose gave India its own currency Soon after the incident, the notorious Himanshu Bhau gang claimed responsibility. In a social media post, gang members Neeraj Faridpur and Bhau Ritolia stated that the firing was a warning to Yadav, accusing him of promoting a betting app that 'has destroyed many households.' According to reports, shots were fired at the first floor of the building, while the Yadav family resides on the third floor. All about the Himanshu Bhau Gang? The Himanshu Bhau gang is a well-known criminal syndicate that has been active since 2020. Led by gangster Himanshu Bhau , the group is involved in extortion, intimidation, and multiple violent crimes across Delhi-NCR. Their signature mark, 'Bhau Gang Since 2020,' has been found at various crime scenes, signaling their presence and instilling fear among victims. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Recover All Your Loss With This Superclass on Option Trading By Mr. Gopal ! TradeWise Learn More Undo Himanshu Bhau himself is a wanted figure, believed to have fled India via Portugal to the United States after an Interpol Red Corner Notice was issued against him. His gang operates through associates, frequently targeting business owners, property dealers, and public figures for extortion money. They are known to use violence as a tool of intimidation, often following up threats with phone calls and notes demanding protection fees. The gang's name has surfaced in several high-profile incidents, including the firing at a Burger King outlet in West Delhi's Rajouri Garden, an attack on a car showroom in Tilak Nagar, and a shooting at a property dealer's home in Kabir Nagar. Live Events Both Delhi Police and Gurgaon Police, along with the Crime Branch and Special Cell, are currently intensifying efforts to track down active members of the gang. Authorities believe the group has been trying to expand its influence in NCR through fear tactics and public acts of violence—such as the attack on Elvish Yadav's residence.
NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
West Bengal Cops Recover Stolen Padma Shri Award Of Ex-Swimmer In 48 Hours, 1 Arrested
The sleuths of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police have recovered the stolen Padma Shri award of internationally acclaimed (former) Indian swimmer, also an Arjuna Award winner, Bula Chowdhury, within 48 hours from the time of theft. Confirming this development, an official of the state police said that one person has been arrested in this connection and based on his interrogation, the sleuths were able to track the prestigious award. However, he refused to divulge further on this issue, and said that the details will be provided at a press conference later in the day to be addressed by the Hooghly district Police Superintendent. Chowdhury, who was also a former CPI(M) legislator from 2006 to 2011, thanked the police for acting promptly and recovering her award so soon. Although Choudhury currently stays in Kasba in South Kolkata, all her awards, trophies, and medals, which she earned during her swimming career, were displayed at her ancestral residence at Hind-Motor in Hooghly district, where it was stolen last Friday. Although initially the investigation was started by the Hooghly district police, later the charge of the investigation was handed over to the CID. She used to come to her ancestral residence every week and inspect whether her awards, trophies, and medals were preserved and maintained properly. On Friday, it was noted that her Padma Shri award shield was missing from the place where it was displayed. Later, it was discovered that some of her awards, trophies, and medals were also stolen. Milan Chowdhury, the brother of the champion swimmer, who stays at that Hind-Motor residence, said that there were three robbery attempts at the residence earlier. "Each time, police complaints were registered, and a routine investigation was carried out. However, subsequent robbery attempts did not stop. Even for a brief period, a police picket was also put up there, only to be withdrawn after a certain period," he said.
