A truck driver from Brampton, Ontario, convicted of smuggling $7.5 million worth of drugs into Canada, is believed to have fled the country after a court denied a Crown request to revoke his bail. Charanpreet Singh was found guilty in February of four drug-related charges, including possession and importation for trafficking, but was allowed to remain out of custody pending sentencing.
The conviction stemmed from his April 2022 arrest at the Blue Water Bridge border crossing, where authorities seized 55 kilograms of cocaine and five kilograms of heroin in his semi-truck. Singh was initially released on bail in April 2022 after posting $5,000 of a $55,000 bond, with his sister pledging the remaining amount. The bail was later increased to $65,000 when an additional party signed onto the bond. Conditions of his release required him to live in Brampton with his sister, wear a GPS ankle monitor, remain inside Ontario, and refrain from obtaining or renewing any passports.
On February 3, the day Ontario Superior Court Justice George King rendered Singh’s guilty verdict, Crown attorney Stephane Marinier sought to revoke the bail, citing the severity of the charges. However, Justice King declined the request, saying the Crown had not provided sufficient evidence to justify revoking bail to maintain public trust in the justice system. The judge noted that automatic revocation upon conviction for serious offences is not delineated in the Criminal Code.
Days before Singh’s June sentencing, he reportedly cut off his GPS monitor and disappeared. He was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison later that month. Police and Crown officials said Singh is believed to have left Canada. Peel Regional Police confirmed an active warrant for Singh’s arrest for failing to appear in court and removing his monitoring device; the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are now leading the investigation.
The case has spotlighted Canada’s bail laws, which some critics argue are too lenient in cases involving serious crime. Reform legislation, Bill C-14, received royal assent in June but will only come into force next week. The bill shifts the burden of proof onto accused persons to demonstrate why their bail should not be revoked after conviction, rather than placing that responsibility on the Crown as under existing law.
Legal experts note bail revocation following conviction has traditionally been rare. Ottawa criminal lawyer Michael Spratt observed that while the Crown can request bail revocation pending sentencing, courts generally require substantive reasons to justify detention. With Bill C-14, the accused must now actively argue for continued bail if challenged. A spokesperson for Justice Minister Sean Fraser highlighted that recent legislative changes—including Bill C-14—aim to tighten access to bail, particularly in cases involving repeat or violent offenders.
Singh’s defense lawyer did not respond to requests for comment. Authorities continue their search as the case underscores ongoing debates over bail policy and public safety in Canada.