Operation Hard Ball: Wanted Drug Trafficking Suspect Gurinder Deo Held in France

A major breakthrough has been made in an international investigation into organized crime after Gurinder Singh Deo (40), a West Vancouver resident wanted in connection with drug trafficking, violence and murder cases, was arrested in France under Operation Hard Ball, according to a statement released by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The RCMP's Pacific Region Federal Policing unit said Gurinder Deo will soon be transferred to the United States, where he is expected to face all charges filed against him by a joint investigative task force. The police also noted that the official press release announcing the arrest was issued in English, French, Hindi and Punjabi, marking the first time Canada's federal police have released a statement simultaneously in all four languages. According to available information, Gurinder Deo belongs to the same Pindi Deo family whose name had surfaced in Punjab's widely discussed ₹6,000-crore drug case. His brother, Sukh Deo (34), was killed in Toronto several years ago. Sources said investigators are questioning two of Gurinder Deo's brothers along with other close associates. Police further claim that three properties worth approximately $5.5 million, owned by Gurinder Deo, his wife, his sister and his brother-in-law, were allegedly acquired through proceeds of crime and are expected to be seized by the government. In the same investigation, Ravinder Dhanda, Jaskaran Bagrie and Gurdev Samagh appeared before the British Columbia Supreme Court on Friday in connection with extradition proceedings to the United States. Although arguments were heard, the judge reserved the decision and imposed a publication ban on additional information related to the case.