'King' Sidhu Gets 20 Years for Drug Empire

Guramrit Sidhu, an 63-year-old Indian-origin Canadian nicknamed 'King', received a 20-year prison sentence for his role in a vast cross-border drug network. He pleaded guilty on March 26, 2026, to a continuing criminal enterprise charge, admitting leadership from September 2020 to February 2023.

During a period in late 2022, Sidhu managed the distribution of roughly 523 kilograms of methamphetamine and 347 kilograms of cocaine, valued between $15 million and $17 million. He sourced these narcotics in the U.S. and arranged their transport into Canada using semi-trucks, employing unique identification methods for couriers.

Sidhu's defense attorney highlighted his difficult childhood, including his father's alcoholism and bullying due to being an immigrant. The defense also stressed that the offense was non-violent, involving no weapons or identifiable victims. Family members submitted letters supporting Sidhu, urging the judge to consider his positive contributions.

Originally from India, Sidhu immigrated to Canada in 1974 at age 11. He worked as a truck driver and in a foundry, maintaining a working-class life. His lawyer stated Sidhu became involved in the criminal world partly due to his own drug use.