FREDERIC SERRE
The 1510 West
Nearly two weeks have passed since Pointe Claire resident Samantha Singh was arrested during a province-wide anti-trafficking sweep by more than 100 police officers that resulted in the seizure of illegal weapons and drugs, but her colleagues at Concordia University say they are still reeling in shock, with one employee stunned that “she had a double life.”
“I’ve had drinks with her, I’ve worked with her, we’re all in shock,” said the colleague, who asked not to be identified. “Her salary must have been between $80,000 and $90,000.”
Singh, 39, worked as a graduate program coordinator with the university’s Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering for the past decade. Today, she sits in a jail cell, awaiting her next court appearance, which will be in November. She and the other individuals arrested appeared by video conference before a Quebec Court judge on the day of their arrest.
Singh was among 13 individuals arrested Sept. 26, when early-morning raids by the Sûreté du Québec and other police services in 16 locations, including in Longueuil, Boucherville, St. Hubert and towns around Quebec City, led to the seizure of 50 illegal guns, about 4 million methamphetamine tablets, 34 kilograms of crystal meth, 18 kilograms of cocaine and $190,000 in Canadian currency. Police allege the people arrested supplied guns and drugs from the United States to criminal organizations operating in the province. The SQ also said other suspects are still being sought.
Police raided Singh’s residence and charged her with weapons trafficking and possession for the purpose of weapons trafficking. According to the charge sheet, Singh allegedly committed her crimes for several months, leading up to the evening before her arrest. Several weapons and ammunition were seized at her residence. The SQ said she had been on their radar since October 2023.
The SQ investigation, dubbed Project CENTAURE, is ongoing and the aim is to keep the pressure on organized crime and reduce gun violence in Quebec, the SQ said in a statement.
Concordia officials declined to comment on the case.