SEATTLE — A former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), RAPINDER SINGH SIDHU, 46, has been handed an eight-year prison term for his pivotal role in a massive drug trafficking conspiracy. The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan, who outlined the lengthy criminal history of SIDHU.
SIDHU, once of Abbotsford, British Columbia, was indicted in 2011 and extradited to the U.S. in 2013 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to export cocaine in October 2013. He is one of 56 individuals charged in an international drug investigation that saw its leader, Robert Shannon, receive a 20-year sentence.
In court, U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik described SIDHU as someone who wanted wealth and to be part of a significant drug ring. Durkan echoed this sentiment, charging SIDHU with betraying his community and law enforcement colleagues by recruiting another public servant and using threats to coerce others into criminal activities.
The records in the case reveal that after leaving the RCMP frustrated with treatment, SIDHU leveraged his police expertise to aid a criminal syndicate linked with the Hells Angels. He is accused of importing large amounts of cocaine into Canada and smuggling B.C. Bud marijuana into the U.S. His actions led to the seizure of over 1700 pounds of cocaine and $3.5 million in cash.
Brad Bench, special agent in charge of ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations, emphasized that SIDHU tried to minimize his involvement but was a key figure in the scheme. Bench highlighted the commitment of HSI and Canadian law enforcement to maintain border integrity and hold criminals accountable.
The investigation leading to SIDHU’s sentence was an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) effort, led by ICE with support from DEA and the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys John Lulejian and Adam Cornell were among those who prosecuted the case, with Sarah Vogel currently handling it.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Public Corruption|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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