Big Drug Bust:
$10.5 Million in Hidden Drugs Found in a Semi Truck 

According to the US Attorney’s Office, two men from California were arrested on July 29 in Andover, MA, for allegedly being involved in a big drug operation. Simranjit Singh, 28, and Gusimrat Singh, 19, were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances.

Big Drug Bust

The arrests happened after a white tractor trailer was stopped in Andover, Massachusetts. Inside, investigators found about 32 kilograms of methamphetamine and over 400 kilograms of cocaine. The drugs are worth more than $10 million. The investigation started when authorities identified a drug-trafficking group from California planning to bring methamphetamine to Boston.

Undercover Operation Leads to Arrest

Undercover agents talked to a member of the group who agreed to sell 65 pounds of methamphetamine. On the night of July 29, the tractor trailer arrived at a set location in Andover to deliver the drugs. The driver and passenger, Simranjit and Gusimrat Singh, were arrested right after the handoff.

Law Enforcement’s Response to Big Drug Bust

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy spoke about the dangers of the large amount of drugs seized. “The amount of drugs seized in this case is disturbing and dangerous,” Levy said. “These defendants allegedly traveled across the country to distribute illegal drugs into Massachusetts communities.”

Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New England, stressed the importance of such operations. “Seizures like this have a big impact on public health and safety,” Krol said. He praised the hard work of law enforcement partners in stopping the flow of dangerous drugs into New England.

Legal Proceedings and Potential Sentences

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances can lead to a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years to life of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Sentences will be decided by a federal judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

Task Force Collaboration

This investigation was part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative. This initiative involves different agencies working together to take down major drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and criminal organizations.

Acting United States Attorney Levy and Special Agent Krol announced the arrests, with help from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Andover Police Department, Milton Police Department, and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Hassink is handling the case.