Alleged Driver in Canada's Biggest Gold Heist Sentenced to 13 Years in U.S. Gun Smuggling Case

Durante King-McLean, the alleged getaway driver in the largest gold theft in Canadian history, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison by a U.S. court on weapons trafficking charges.

The 27-year-old faces charges in Canada for allegedly driving the truck that fled with the stolen gold during the massive heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport in April 2023.

Authorities say King-McLean fled Canada shortly after the robbery. He was arrested in September 2023 during a traffic stop by Pennsylvania State Police. A search of his rental vehicle uncovered 65 handguns hidden inside various socks.

Investigators allege the firearms were destined to be smuggled illegally into Canada. Peel Regional Police believe the weapons were purchased using proceeds from the gold stolen at Toronto Pearson Airport.

The heist took place on April 17, 2023, when more than $20 million worth of gold and a large amount of foreign currency were stolen from an Air Canada cargo facility, making it the largest gold theft in Canadian history.

Several other suspects, including a number of Punjabi individuals, have also been charged in connection with the case. Among them is 43-year-old Arslan Chaudhry, who has already been sentenced to four years in prison.