A federal grand jury has charged Kawal Preet Singh after authorities allegedly found more than 40 pounds of methamphetamine, firearms and cash at a California pizza restaurant, his home and his vehicle. Investigators say the Dinuba business was used to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine. Singh, a 50-year-old Indian national who prosecutors say was living illegally in the United States, pleaded not guilty and is not in custody. The allegations emerged from an investigation into suspected Indian organized crime and narcotics trafficking in California’s Central Valley.
| 1) | Federal charges and plea |
| 2) | Evidence seized from three locations |
| 3) | Investigation into a Central Valley network |
| 4) | Restaurant response and closure |
| 5) | Potential penalties and next hearing |
Federal charges and plea
A federal grand jury charged Singh with distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges were filed after an investigation led by federal authorities and the Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force. Singh appeared for arraignment on Thursday and pleaded not guilty. He remains presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the allegations in court.
The firearm charge is separate from the drug counts because prosecutors allege that a weapon was possessed in connection with a drug trafficking offense. Singh has not been charged with a cocaine-related crime, despite investigative information involving suspected cocaine transportation by other individuals.
Evidence seized from three locations
Agents searched Singh’s home and the Dinuba pizza restaurant on Aug. 18 under warrants signed five days earlier. Investigators also searched or examined Singh’s Hyundai Sonata, which was parked at the restaurant. Authorities allegedly recovered approximately 13.8 kilograms, or more than 30 pounds, of suspected methamphetamine from the home.
Another roughly 4.9 kilograms, or nearly 11 pounds, was allegedly found in five clear plastic bags inside the vehicle. Prosecutors also reported the seizure of three firearms and $11,800 in cash. Photographs released by federal authorities showed handguns and bags containing a crystalline substance identified by investigators as methamphetamine.
Investigation into a Central Valley network
The investigation reportedly began with a May tip about a suspected narcotics trafficker operating in Fresno and distributing controlled substances. Investigators later received information about a person known as “Camy,” described in court documents as a Sikh Indian man involved in long-haul trucking. Authorities said the individual was connected to a network of Sikh Indian truck drivers.
Investigators developed evidence suggesting that truck drivers transported hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Mexico into the United States for an unidentified Mexican cartel. The Central Valley task force later identified Singh as a subject of the investigation. An FBI affidavit described the alleged network this way:
“The suspect worked with a network of other Sikh Indian truck drivers to transport narcotics.”
The cocaine-related information formed part of the broader investigation, but the federal indictment against Singh concerns methamphetamine and firearms.
Restaurant response and closure
The restaurant was an independently owned and operated location of a national pizza brand, according to a corporate communications executive. The company said the employee involved had worked at the location for approximately one and a half months. Local owners reportedly told the company they had no knowledge of the alleged illegal activity and were cooperating with authorities.
The Dinuba restaurant, located in Tulare County about 30 miles southeast of Fresno, is listed as permanently closed. Authorities’ searches occurred at the restaurant and Singh’s residence after investigators allegedly observed him leave the business and drive home on Aug. 18.
Potential penalties and next hearing
Prosecutors say Singh faces at least 10 years in federal prison if convicted on the drug charges. The firearm count could add at least five more years. Investigators allege Singh told them he had not sold methamphetamine for about two months and claimed he was storing the drugs for a friend, assertions that will be evaluated through the federal court process.
Singh’s next federal court hearing is scheduled for Nov. 4. The case remains pending, and the government’s allegations have not been established at trial.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Singh pleaded not guilty to federal methamphetamine and firearm charges. |
| 2 | Authorities allegedly seized more than 40 pounds of methamphetamine. |
| 3 | Three firearms and $11,800 in cash were also allegedly recovered. |
| 4 | The Dinuba restaurant was independently owned and is now listed as permanently closed. |
Summary
The case centers on allegations that a Dinuba pizza restaurant was used to support methamphetamine distribution. Federal authorities say searches of the business, Singh’s home and his vehicle produced drugs, firearms and cash. Singh denies the charges through his not-guilty plea, and the case will proceed in federal court, where prosecutors must prove each allegation beyond a reasonable doubt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does Kawal Preet Singh face?
He faces charges for methamphetamine distribution, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
What did federal agents allegedly seize?
Authorities allegedly seized more than 40 pounds of methamphetamine, three firearms and $11,800 in cash from Singh’s home, business and vehicle.
When is Singh’s next hearing?
His next federal court hearing is scheduled for Nov. 4. He pleaded not guilty and remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
