A Canadian resident has been arrested at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry in Buffalo, New York, after U.S. authorities found approximately 109 kilograms of suspected cocaine concealed in boxes within a shipment of fabric softener. Vishavpal Singh, 31, an Indian citizen living in Canada, faces charges of possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. If convicted, he could receive a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, along with a fine that may reach $10 million.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo said: “This seizure represents one of the largest 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.”
According to HSI Buffalo Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan: “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.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Richard Antoine stated that Singh had connections to another case involving about 228 kilograms of cocaine seized at Detroit’s Ambassador Bridge Port of Entry in July 2025. In that earlier incident, Pawanjit Gill was arrested when authorities found bulk quantities during an inspection; it was later discovered that Gill had met Singh earlier that day at a nearby travel center.
After being alerted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Port Huron about Singh’s movements within the United States, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers conducted an outbound inspection on August 13th at the Peace Bridge crossing where they discovered the suspected narcotics.
Singh appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and remains detained pending a hearing scheduled for August 19.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice focused on combating illegal immigration and dismantling drug cartels as well as transnational criminal organizations by coordinating resources from 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 and Customs and Border Protection under Director Rose Brophy; HSI Port Huron also provided support.
Authorities remind that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
