Surrey man pleads guilty in major international meth trafficking conspiracy
A Surrey man accused of playing a key role in an international drug trafficking network has pleaded guilty in a U.S. federal court to conspiring to export large quantities of methamphetamine from California to Australia, according to court documents.
Opinder Singh Sian, 38, was arrested in July 2025 and has been held in custody ever since in connection with an alleged plot to traffic 530 lbs. of methamphetamine from Los Angeles to Sydney. On Nov. 12, Sian signed a plea agreement in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, admitting he “knowingly and intentionally” conspired to export methamphetamine between Sept. 2022 and Oct. 2023.
Court documents state that Sian coordinated multiple drug deliveries on behalf of co-conspirators, working through a confidential informant who was in fact operating under direction of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). In four separate drop-offs to an undercover DEA agent, Sian helped arrange shipments totaling:
- 12.91 kg on June 22, 2023
- 80.3 kg on July 6, 2023
- 40.6 kg on August 21, 2023
- 86.9 kg on August 28, 2023
In his plea agreement, Sian acknowledged that he “knowingly and intentionally participated” in the conspiracy to export 220.7 kilograms of methamphetamine. He further confirmed that he waived his right to a speedy trial and voluntarily agreed to the terms of the deal after reviewing it with legal counsel.
“I am pleading guilty because I am guilty of the charge and wish to take advantage of the promises set forth in this agreement, and not for any other reason,” Sian stated in the court filing.
The agreement includes a recommendation from prosecutors for a reduced sentence—specifically, a two-level reduction in his sentencing guidelines range—provided he continues to comply. Actual sentencing may vary depending on several factors, and federal guidelines are advisory, not mandatory.
Investigators allege that Sian is linked to multiple organized crime networks, including the Irish-based Kinahan cartel and both Canadian and Italian crime groups. Previous reporting has also connected him to the B.C.-based Brothers Keepers gang.
Sian is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles. No sentencing date has yet been scheduled.
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