An Indian-origin man in Canada has been arrested for allegedly smuggling USD 14 million (Rs 1,04,46,17,000) worth of cocaine into the country from the US.

According to a statement by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on Thursday, the accused has been identified as Pardeep Singh, 24, a resident of Quebec. He was held at the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie in Ontario last month with a commercial truck carrying five duffel bags filled with 112.5 kg of cocaine.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has charged Pardeep Singh with the importation of a controlled substance. He will be produced before a court in St Catharines on Friday.

“The Canada Border Services Agency plays an integral role in keeping our communities safe. Our officers have interrupted the smuggling attempt of a massive amount of narcotics, and have put a full stop to the ripple effect these narcotics would have in neighborhoods across our country. The CBSA is extremely proud of its officers and their ongoing role in safeguarding our borders,” CBSA District Director Kim Upper said in a statement.

Despite border restrictions in place due to Covid-19, commercial traffic continues in Canada to allow cross-border supply of essential goods.