Three British Columbia men arrested in a sweeping U.S. investigation into transnational organized crime allegedly used Peace Arch Historical State Park in Blaine to coordinate cross-border drug smuggling, according to a federal indictment unsealed last week. Reporting by Anna Burns of the Surrey Now-Leader says RCMP arrested Ravinder Dhanda of White Rock, Jaskarn Baghri of Surrey and Gurtej Smagh of Creston in connection with “Operation Hard Ball,” a multinational investigation targeting India-based organized crime groups. The indictment alleges Dhanda and Baghri met with a confidential informant at Peace Arch Park on July 18, 2023, to plan the transportation and smuggling of future cocaine and methamphetamine shipments across the U.S.-Canada border. Prosecutors allege the network moved more than 948 pounds of cocaine between July 2023 and November 2024.
The Blaine City Council unanimously approved the city’s updated Electrical Utility Comprehensive Plan on Monday, adopting the long-range blueprint in a 7-0 vote. The plan outlines how the city-owned electric utility should maintain reliable service as Blaine grows, including recommendations for future substations, feeder lines and other infrastructure improvements. It also addresses long-term financial planning, system reliability, emergency preparedness and capital investments needed to support future development. The comprehensive plan serves as a planning document and does not authorize construction projects or funding on its own.
British Columbia wildfire officials are warning that hot, dry conditions combined with widespread dry lightning could spark significant wildfire activity across the province beginning this week. According to Peace Arch News, the greatest risk is in south-central B.C., where forest fuels are at their driest and conditions could lead to “explosive fire behaviour.” While this year’s wildfire season has been relatively mild, with about 440 fires burning 25,000 hectares (61,750 acres), officials say the next several days could quickly change that outlook. Campfire bans will expand across most of the Coastal Fire Centre beginning Thursday at noon, and residents are being urged to conserve water and remain vigilant.
The Blaine Police Department welcomed its newest officer Monday as Jason Bellman, formerly with the Wyoming Highway Patrol, was sworn in during the Blaine City Council meeting. Bellman took the oath of office before family, city officials and members of the public as he officially joined the department. City leaders welcomed him to the force and wished him success in serving the Blaine community.
The bodies of two missing hikers were recovered in separate incidents in the North Cascades, and authorities say no foul play is suspected in either death, King 5 reported. Search crews found Gursimran Singh, 34, of British Columbia, on the north face of South Twin after he was reported overdue June 29. On Saturday, rescuers recovered Steven Dorsett, 55, of Bellingham, about 100 feet below cliffs near the Canyon Creek Trailhead off State Route 20 after he disappeared June 24. Both recoveries followed extensive searches involving volunteer search-and-rescue teams and the Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team. The Whatcom County Medical Examiner will determine the causes of death.
