iNDICA NEWS BUREAU –
In a major drug bust, two Indian nationals were arrested in Andover, Massachusetts, with a staggering cache of illegal narcotics valued at over $10 million.
The suspects, Simranjit Singh, 28, and Gusimrat Singh, 19, from Fresno, California, were apprehended on July 29 following a sting operation.
Authorities seized more than 32 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine and over 400 kilograms of suspected cocaine during the arrest. The operation stemmed from an investigation into a California-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that planned to transport drugs to Boston.
According to the United States Attorney’s office, undercover agents had been in communication with a DTO member who agreed to sell 32 kilograms of methamphetamine. On the night of the arrest, the suspects arrived at a pre-arranged location in Andover driving a white tractor-trailer. After handing over the suspected methamphetamine to undercover agents, they were immediately taken into custody.
A subsequent search of the tractor-trailer’s cab revealed the additional cocaine, with an estimated street value exceeding $10.5 million.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy commented on the case, saying, “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.”
Both suspects have been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. They made their initial appearances in federal court in Boston and are currently in federal custody.
If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison, a supervised release period of at least three years up to life, and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
