A Canadian resident has been arrested at the U.S.-Canada border and charged with possession with intent to distribute over 100 kilograms of cocaine, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Vishavpal Singh, 31, a citizen of India residing in Canada, was apprehended at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry in Buffalo, New York.
“This seizure represents one of the largest ever at international border crossings in the Western District of New York,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “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.”
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan commented on the arrest: “As alleged, Vishavpal Singh brazenly transported hundreds of pounds of cocaine through multiple states and into New York, where his cross-country trip was abruptly halted. with the assistance of eagle-eyed federal agents and officers, an investigation into Singh’s tractor trailer uncovered 108 kilos of cocaine inside boxes comingled within a large shipment of fabric softener. this arrest underscores the indispensable value of law enforcement collaboration, and i commend both CBP buffalo and HSI buffalo along with our partners across the country for their quick thinking and coordinated efforts.”
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Richard Antoine, who is handling the case, Singh is also linked to a previous seizure in July 2025 involving approximately 228 kilograms of cocaine at Detroit’s Ambassador Bridge Port of Entry. In that incident, Pawanjit Gill was arrested after bulk quantities were found during an inspection; investigators later determined that Gill had met with Singh earlier that day at a travel center.
Authorities from HSI Port Huron notified HSI Buffalo’s Border Enforcement Security Task Force about Singh’s movements within the United States prior to his arrest on August 13. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered boxes containing around 109 kilograms of suspected cocaine during an outbound inspection as Singh operated a commercial tractor-trailer.
Singh appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer following his arrest and remains in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for August 19.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling transnational criminal organizations by coordinating resources from programs such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations led by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; Customs and Border Protection directed by Rose Brophy; as well as support from HSI Port Huron.
Officials emphasized that charges are accusations only; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
