A Canadian resident has been arrested at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry in Buffalo, New York, after authorities discovered approximately 109 kilograms of suspected cocaine hidden inside boxes within a shipment of fabric softener. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that 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, Singh could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to life imprisonment, as well as a fine of $10 million.
“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.”
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, Singh was linked to another incident in July 2025 involving about 228 kilograms of cocaine seized at Detroit’s Ambassador Bridge Port of Entry. In that case, Pawanjit Gill was arrested after authorities found bulk quantities of cocaine during an inspection; investigators later determined Gill had met with Singh earlier that day at a travel center near Detroit.
Following notification from HSI Port Huron that Singh was traveling within the United States, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Border Enforcement Security Task Force conducted an outbound inspection on August 13, leading to Singh’s arrest.
Singh appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and is being held pending a detention hearing scheduled for August 19.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative focused on combating illegal immigration and 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 under Director Rose Brophy; and support from HSI Port Huron.
Authorities emphasized that charges are accusations only; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
