Canadian police arrest five Punjab-origin people over alleged drug, arms smuggling

Canadian Police have arrested five Punjabi-origin people, including a woman and her two children, for their alleged role in drug and arms trafficking in the Region of Peel and across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

In a statement, Peel Regional Police said they have seized 11 firearms, including assault rifles, handguns and a submachine gun, as well as over 900 rounds of ammunition from them.

Police said a quantity of drugs were recovered from them.

Police said the arrested people were identified as Narinder Kaur Nagra, 61, and her two sons, Navdeep Nagra, 20, and Ravneet Nagra 22, along with Ranveer Araich, 20, Pavneet Nahal, 21.

Police said nearly 160 charges have been laid against them.

“The widespread availability of illegal firearms represents an immediate and serious threat to the safety of our community. Violent offenders are exploiting this access, fueling a dangerous cycle of crime that puts every resident at risk,” said Peel police Chief Nishan Duraiappah.

“We remain resolute in our mission to disrupt and dismantle these criminal networks, deploying significant resources to combat this issue. In 2024, we have achieved unprecedented success, with record-breaking investigations, arrests, and charges related to violent crimes.

“I want to extend my deepest appreciation to all our officers for their relentless dedication and exceptional work in this investigation,” Nishan Duraiappah said.