A former RCMP officer used his expert knowledge to become a ringleader in a well-organized and long-running cocaine smuggling operation, according to documents filed by the U.S. District Attorney in Seattle.

The documents say when Rapinder 'Rob' Singh Sidhu quit the RCMP a decade ago, "He used his special knowledge and skills, obtained through that privileged position, to earn for himself and his criminal associates large sums of money in the international cocaine trade."

According to U.S. District Attorney Jenny Durkan, Sidhu recruited a border guard at a B.C.-Washington crossing, described as "a younger kid he knew from his own neighbourhood, who in turn sabotaged his own career and livelihood," to turn a blind eye to motorhomes and minivans loaded with up to 270 kilograms cocaine as they crossed into Canada.

The district attorney argues, despite pleading guilty to drug smuggling, Sidhu has expressed little remorse or responsibility, and had no regard for the outcome of his actions in his local community or the effect on society.

The district attorney is asking for eight years in prison, but only because of a "hard-bargained" plea deal, noting some others who worked under Rob Sidhu have received comparable or much longer sentences.