Project Pelican: Ahead of Modi’s Canada visit, Carney cracks down on anti-India drug network

In a major crackdown, Canadian police have busted a large drug and terror network with suspected links to Khalistan supporters under their operation called ‘Project Pelican’.

The investigation by Peel Regional Police, named Project Pelican, has led to Canada’s biggest-ever drug seizure – 479 kg of cocaine worth $47.9 million. Nine people, including seven men of Indian origin living in Canada, have been arrested.

According to the police, the group used commercial trucking routes between the US and Canada and had connections to Mexican drug cartels and US-based distributors.

Drug trade to fund anti-India activities

Sources told The Times of India that money from the drug trade was being used to fund anti-India activities such as protests, referendums, and the purchase of weapons. Intelligence agencies suspect that Pakistan’s ISI is backing the network, using Khalistani groups in Canada to smuggle Mexican cocaine and Afghan heroin.

Those arrested include Sajgith Yogendrarajah (31), Manpreet Singh (44), Philip Tep (39), Arvinder Powar (29), Karamjit Singh (36), Gurtej Singh (36), Sartaj Singh (27), Shiv Onkar Singh (31), and Hao Tommy Huynh (27).

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Just days before PM Modi’s visit

This development comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the G7 Summit in Canada’s Kananaskis, later this month. His visit follows an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who called him last week.

In a social media post, Modi congratulated Carney on his recent election victory and thanked him for the summit invitation. He said India and Canada, as vibrant democracies with strong ties, will work together with renewed energy and shared goals. Modi added that he looks forward to meeting Carney at the summit.

G7 summit in Kananaskis

The G7 meeting will take place in Kananaskis, Alberta, from 15 to 17 June. Speaking in Ottawa, Prime Minister Carney said the summit will focus on building stronger partnerships with emerging and developing nations. He emphasised that India, as one of the world’s largest economies and a key player in global supply chains, must have a seat at the table.