Gurvinder Singh’s arrest ends two-year probe into an international smuggling ring that trafficked drugs and illegal tobacco into Sydney
In one of the biggest transnational drug busts this year, 42-year-old Indian-origin Australian citizen Gurvinder Singh has been arrested for allegedly masterminding a global smuggling operation involving cocaine, methamphetamine, and illegal cigarettes. After a two-year multi-agency investigation, Singh was taken into custody last week outside a private residence during a massive raid involving over 150 officers, reported The Australia Today and timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Singh’s syndicate smuggled nearly half a tonne of drugs, used cement bags to hide cocaine, and laundered proceeds worth hundreds of thousands
The smuggling network was sophisticated and expansive. Authorities allege Singh was behind the trafficking of 280 kg of liquid methamphetamine and cocaine hidden in cement bags, using insiders at Australian port facilities to move the contraband. The racket is also accused of distributing over 20 million illegal cigarettes, generating at least AUD 443,000 from the Sydney black market.
A critical breakthrough came in August 2024, when Australian law enforcement intercepted a suspicious shipment of liquid meth from Vancouver, Canada. The drugs were traced to a covert cooling facility in Riverstone. The arrest of two men at the site led investigators to Singh, triggering an unraveling of the wider network.
Singh could face life imprisonment; other associates, including Canadians, also arrested
Further digging uncovered links to illicit shipments from Panama and the UAE. In some cases, authorities had already swapped out real drugs for dummy substances during controlled operations. Singh’s associates included Canadian nationals Aman Kang (24) and Mani Singh Dhaliwal (31), both arrested and charged with possessing commercial quantities of drugs and participation in a criminal group.
Singh has been charged with five counts related to the importation of commercial quantities of border-controlled substances and illegal tobacco, two counts of dealing with proceeds of crime, and two counts of leading a criminal group. If convicted, he could face life in prison. All suspects have been denied bail and are scheduled to appear at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court in July.
Singh’s lawyer appealed for bail citing health issues and family responsibilities, but authorities rejected the request citing the severity of the crimes
Singh’s legal team argued for bail based on his reported underlying health conditions and his role as the sole breadwinner of his family. However, the court declined, citing the grave nature of the charges and potential flight risk.
