A Winnipeg court recently discussed the reasons behind the search of a semi-trailer at the Manitoba border, where Canadian border officers discovered cocaine concealed beneath loads of corn in a commercial truck two years ago. Varinder Kaushik, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to charges including possessing cocaine for trafficking, importing cocaine, money laundering, and possessing crime proceeds exceeding $5,000 in Canadian currency.
Kaushik was arrested after officers found 63 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately $6 million, hidden in his commercial semi-trailer during an attempted border crossing at Emerson in July 2023. The Canada Border Services Agency stated that it marked their largest drug seizure in Manitoba in the past five years.
Richard Derasp, the border services officer who singled out Kaushik’s semi-trailer for a secondary inspection, testified that he did so due to Kaushik’s unusual responses during their initial conversation. Kaushik had claimed to have spent two days in the U.S., but records showed he had been away for only one day.
Upon inspecting the trailer, Derasp noticed white bags resembling corn on pallets. Further investigation revealed a suspicious steel plate near the front, which appeared newer than the rest of the trailer. After closer examination, officers found a concealed compartment under the plate containing packages suspected to be narcotics.
One of the 63 bricks of cocaine found tested as 93% pure, according to Crown prosecutor Matt Sinclair. The prosecution aims to prove that Kaushik was aware of and controlled the cocaine in his possession. Additionally, banking records suggest Kaushik was involved in money laundering activities since 2021.
Derasp mentioned a prior encounter with Kaushik in March 2023 when a family member sought immigration services at the checkpoint. After viewing a photo on Facebook showing Kaushik with a potentially concealed handgun, Derasp became more cautious.
During cross-examination, Kaushik’s defense lawyer inquired about potential bias due to Kaushik’s East Indian descent. However, Derasp denied any bias, stating that the decision for the search was not racially motivated. The trial before Justice Herbert Rempel at the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench is ongoing.