US border officials arrest two Indian truck drivers smuggling drugs into Canada
PTC Web Desk: Two Indian-origin truck drivers have been arrested by US border authorities for allegedly attempting to smuggle drugs into Canada through separate border crossings.
According to officials, Brampton resident Vaibhav Saxena was arrested last week at a Michigan border crossing after authorities discovered around 40 kg of poppy pods hidden inside a specially built compartment in his truck. Investigators said Saxena had been under surveillance for several days before the seizure.
Border officers conducted a detailed inspection of the vehicle while he was attempting to enter Canada. During the search, they found the concealed stash of poppy pods and immediately took him into custody.
In a separate case, another truck driver, identified as Chandan Dayal, was arrested at the Blue Water border crossing after officers found a large quantity of suspected narcotics packed in brick-shaped packages wrapped in paper.
Authorities said the drugs were packed in a cardboard box containing 55 one-kg packages. Dayal had reportedly transported the shipment from Wisconsin, a route he frequently travelled as part of his trucking operations.
When questioned about the contents of the box, Dayal allegedly tried to mislead border officials. However, a physical inspection revealed the drugs hidden inside. Following his arrest, investigators said Dayal admitted that he had been involved in similar smuggling activities for several months.
Both men now face serious drug trafficking-related charges.
- With inputs from agencies
