Authorities seized nearly 1.7 tonnes of suspected drugs and 17 firearms; media reports say more than a dozen defendants are of Indian origin
WINDSOR, Ontario, July 25, 2026 — Twenty-one people face a combined 102 charges following a major Canada–United States investigation that authorities say disrupted a cross-border drug-trafficking network operating through commercial transportation channels.
The joint operation, known as Project Bay, resulted in the seizure of nearly 1.7 tonnes of suspected illegal drugs. Canadian authorities placed the estimated street value of the seized substances at more than C$139 million.
According to the Canada Border Services Agency, investigators recovered approximately 973 kilograms of suspected cocaine, 660 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine and 49 kilograms of suspected opium. Police also seized oxycodone tablets, 17 firearms—including what authorities described as an anti-tank rifle—ammunition, cash, electronic devices and other property.
Nineteen accused had been arrested when the investigation was publicly announced on July 23. Arrest warrants were issued for two other individuals who remained outstanding.
Media reports based on the list of accused have described more than a dozen of the defendants as men of Indian origin. Authorities, however, presented Project Bay as an organized-crime and border-security investigation rather than one targeting any ethnic community.
The investigation began with information obtained by Windsor police in January 2025. It subsequently expanded to include the CBSA, Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto and Peel police, as well as American agencies including Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Investigators allege that a broker-style operation used contacts within the commercial transportation industry to recruit drivers who knowingly moved drugs through legitimate supply chains.
The charges have not been tested in court. Every accused person is presumed innocent unless the prosecution proves the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
