A Canadian trucker has been arrested in Arizona after authorities uncovered a massive cocaine haul worth $32 million destined for Canada. Amarjeet Singh Matharu, 31, was stopped by Arizona State Troopers on Interstate 40 near Holbrook, just west of Petrified Forest National Park, on Monday.
During the inspection of his Volvo tractor-trailer, troopers discovered 550 pounds of cocaine hidden behind a load of produce. Officers reported that Matharu exhibited signs of criminal activity, leading to the search and subsequent arrest. The shipment was allegedly being smuggled from California, with Canadian streets as its ultimate destination. Matharu, believed to be from the Greater Toronto Area, is now in Navajo County Jail, facing charges of possession and transportation of narcotic drugs for sale.
This case is the latest in a series of drug smuggling incidents involving Canadian truckers. U.S. law enforcement has repeatedly intercepted narcotics en route to Canada, often hidden in commercial vehicles.
Recent cases include:
- December 2024: Sukhraj Singh, 22, of Caledon, was arrested in Michigan after deputies found 123 pounds of cocaine valued at $1.5 million in his truck.
- October 2024: Sukjindr Singh, 29, of Peel Region, was charged in Michigan after authorities seized 370 pounds of cocaine worth $16.5 million.
- September 2024: Naseeb Chisty, 49, of Etobicoke, was arrested in Indiana with nearly 300 pounds of cocaine discovered during a traffic stop.
- August 2024: Juli Sabosan Sathiaseelan, 42, was apprehended at the Blue Water Bridge with 266 pounds of cocaine.
- February 2024: Gagandeep Singh was arrested at the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit with 661 pounds of cocaine valued at $8.7 million.
These incidents underscore the growing trend of drug trafficking through commercial trucking, often involving Canadian drivers and routes. Authorities on both sides of the border are working to crack down on these operations, but the scale of recent busts highlights the ongoing challenge of combating cross-border narcotics smuggling.