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Calgary Truck Driver Denied Bail in $7M Cocaine Border BustLETHBRIDGE, Alta. – A 28-year-old Calgary truck driver accused of smuggling nearly 77 kilograms of cocaine across the Canada-U.S. border was denied bail Monday, with prosecutors citing flight risk in one of the largest drug seizures at the Coutts port of entry this year.Surj Singh Salaria, an Indian-origin permanent resident, appeared via video link in Lethbridge Provincial Court on charges of importation, possession for the purpose of trafficking, and attempting to export prohibited goods.
Crown prosecutors successfully argued that the severity of the allegations and Salaria’s potential international ties warranted detention pending trial.The cocaine—valued at approximately $7 million on the street—was discovered hidden in the cab of Salaria’s commercial tractor-trailer during a secondary inspection by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers on September 25, 2025.
“This seizure prevented a significant quantity of harmful drugs from reaching Alberta streets,” said RCMP Supt. Sean Boser of Federal Policing Northwest Region. “It underscores the critical role of intelligence-led enforcement at our borders.”The bust marks the second multi-million-dollar cocaine interception at Coutts in 2025, following a $10 million seizure in March involving another Calgary-based driver.
Salaria’s defence had proposed strict release conditions, including electronic monitoring and surrender of travel documents, but the judge sided with the Crown. The matter is adjourned to November 24 for a bail review.The investigation remains active under the Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), comprising the RCMP, CBSA, and Calgary Police Service. Authorities say the case highlights ongoing efforts to disrupt transnational drug networks exploiting commercial trucking routes.Salaria remains in custody.
