- Court Finds Sangha Guilty of Smuggling 108 kg Methamphetamine from U.S. to Canada
Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
A Punjabi radio host based in Canada, Sukhvinder Kaur Sangha, has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison by the Supreme Court of British Columbia after being convicted in a drug trafficking case linked to the United States.
Sangha(47) originally belongs to a family from Nakodar in Jalandhar district, though she was born in Prince George, Canada. She had built a strong identity in the Punjabi radio and television industry over the past decade as a freelance host and broadcaster, becoming a well-known figure in the community. Her shows frequently featured high-profile guests, including politicians, police officials, and celebrities.
According to court records, the incident dates back to October 2021, when Sangha was attempting to cross from the United States into Canada in a rental car bearing Florida license plates. At a border checkpoint in Surrey, British Columbia, officers from the Canada Border Services Agency stopped her for secondary inspection. However, instead of cooperating, she allegedly fled the scene at high speed.
Police later pursued and arrested her on 16th Avenue in Surrey. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of four duffel bags containing 108 kilograms of methamphetamine. The seized drugs were estimated to be worth nearly 8.3 billion Indian rupees in the illegal market.
During the trial, Sangha claimed she was innocent, stating that she had travelled to Washington to attend her aunt’s funeral and was forced into the smuggling operation under threats. However, Justice John Gibb-Carsley rejected her arguments, calling them unconvincing.
Court evidence, including mobile phone text messages, indicated that Sangha was not only knowingly involved in the trafficking network but was also considered a trusted associate who had allegedly transported multiple drug shipments in the past.
While delivering the verdict at the New Westminster court, the judge emphasized that drug trafficking is not just a crime but has severe consequences for society. He also expressed hope that Sangha would use her prison term for reflection and rehabilitation.