A truck driver and a passenger are facing federal charges related to drug trafficking after an undercover operation in Massachusetts this week.
On July 29, 2024, Simranjit Singh, 28, and Gusimrat Singh, 19, were arrested and each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substance, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts.
Officials recently learned that a California-based drug trafficking operation had plans to transport methamphetamine and other drugs to the Boston area.
An undercover agent contacted the drug trafficking operation, and they agreed to sell 65 pounds of methamphetamine to the agent, authorities say.
At 10:15 p.m. a white tractor trailer arrived at the planned address for the drug transaction in Andover, Massachusetts. Gusimrat Singh and Simranjit Singh allegedly handed over the drugs to undercover agents and then both men were immediately arrested.
When police searched the cab of the truck, they discovered over 400-kilogram bricks of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $10.5 million.
If convicted, the two men face sentences of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
Assisting agencies include U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Andover Police Department, Milton Police Department, and the Massachusetts State Police.
“The sheer amount of drugs seized in this one case is disturbing and dangerous. These defendants allegedly took a cross-country trip to distribute illicit narcotics into Massachusetts communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “I am grateful for our dedicated law enforcement partners who have worked so diligently to prevent harmful drugs from reaching our streets. Drug traffickers should beware: we will find you, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of federal law.”
“Seizures of this magnitude have a significant public health and safety impact on our local communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “These investigations are difficult and dangerous, yet it remains imperative that HSI continue to work with our partners to disrupt the flow of dangerous drugs into New England.”