Homeland Security Investigations agents often assist local law enforcement agencies on cases involving drug trafficking, financial crimes, and transnational criminal networks. (CBP Photo Glenn Fawcett)
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A joint federal and local investigation near Lake Samish busted a drug and stolen property trafficking organization in Whatcom County.
The Whatcom Regional Drug Task Force worked with the DEA’s Bellingham Resident Office and Homeland Security Investigations during the months-long case.
Authorities identified the suspects as 47-year-old Tinesh Gupta and 27-year-old Sahajpal Singh, both of Bellingham, and 52-year-old Major Singh Sidhu of Kent.
“Gupta, Singh and Singh Sidhu were at the property at the time of the search warrant and were detained without incident,” the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office said.
Investigators say the group sold narcotics locally and resold stolen vehicles and equipment for profit. They also attempted to conceal proceeds through financial institutions and cryptocurrency.
Federal agencies often join local drug investigations when financial crimes appear alongside narcotics trafficking.
“Criminals deliberately structure transactions tied to illicit activity to avoid detection,” IRS Criminal Investigation Chief Guy Ficco said.
Search Warrant Served Near Lake Samish
Investigators served a search warrant Feb. 26 at Gupta’s property near Lake Samish.
During the search, investigators seized firearms, suspected narcotics and records tied to drug transactions.
According to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, deputies recovered:
• Two loaded handguns, four rifles and one shotgun. One handgun and the shotgun were confirmed stolen
• Multiple bags containing suspected narcotics and residue that field-tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl
• Notebooks believed to contain drug transaction records and drug manufacturing instructions
• Several cell phones
Investigators also recovered vehicles, trailers, ATVs and heavy equipment. Authorities believe the items were stolen and estimate their value at about $200,000.
Charges Filed Against Three Suspects
Investigators say the evidence established probable cause for several felony charges.
Gupta faces charges including leading organized crime, money laundering, delivery of fentanyl and cocaine, possession with intent to deliver both drugs, trafficking in stolen property, possession of stolen vehicles and firearms, and reckless endangerment.
Sahajpal Singh faces charges including money laundering, delivery of fentanyl and cocaine, trafficking in stolen property, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, possession of stolen property and alien in possession of a firearm.
Major Singh Sidhu faces charges related to delivery of fentanyl and cocaine.
Suspects Detained During Search
All three suspects were present when investigators executed the warrant. Officers detained them without incident.
Authorities booked Singh and Singh Sidhu into the Whatcom County Jail.
Gupta experienced a medical emergency during the operation. Officers transported him to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center for treatment. Authorities later booked him into jail on March 4.
Federal Crackdown On Transnational Criminal Networks
The involvement of Homeland Security Investigations reflects a broader federal focus on transnational criminal networks.
Federal officials say many modern drug operations rely on networks that operate across multiple states or countries. Those groups often move money through digital financial systems, including cryptocurrency.
When investigators uncover those elements, federal agencies often join the case. Agents track financial activity, identify larger networks and pursue additional criminal charges.
Homeland Security Expands Partnerships With Local Drug Task Forces
Federal agencies increasingly partner with local law enforcement through joint investigations.
Department of Homeland Security programs bring federal investigators together with regional drug task forces and police departments. These partnerships target organized crime, narcotics trafficking, human smuggling and financial crimes.
Officials say the collaborations allow agencies to share intelligence and investigative resources when cases cross jurisdictions.
Whatcom County’s location along the U.S.-Canada border also increases the likelihood of federal involvement when investigators suspect cross-border activity.
Multi-Agency Task Force Led Investigation
The Whatcom Regional Drug Task Force led the investigation with assistance from federal partners.
The task force includes investigators from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Bellingham Police Department and Ferndale Police Department.
Agents from the DEA and Homeland Security Investigations also assisted with the case.
Financial Crimes Often Trigger Federal Investigations
Money laundering and cryptocurrency transfers often draw federal investigators into drug cases.
Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation frequently assist when investigators suspect financial crimes.
Federal officials say financial records often provide the first clues that organized criminal activity is taking place.
IRS Criminal Investigation reports Bank Secrecy Act data appeared in 94 percent of its cases in fiscal year 2025. Investigators conducted more than 3.9 million searches of financial reporting data.
“BSA data is often the first signal that something isn’t right,” Ficco said. “These filings become essential puzzle pieces in identifying patterns, following financial trails and building cases that protect taxpayers.”
Officials say financial records can help investigators trace criminal proceeds, identify networks and support money-laundering charges.
“CTRs provide concrete transactional data that often serves as evidence when proving criminal activity took place,” Ficco said.
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