FBI manhunt for fugitive tied to cocaine thefts targeting trucks

The FBI is searching for No Name Given Kamal, a 26-year-old Indian national wanted on federal extortion charges and connected to an international investigation that seized 1,000 kilograms of cocaine. Authorities link him to the Lawrence Bishnoi Organized Crime Group, part of Operation Hard Ball, which uncovered significant use of commercial trucking to move narcotics across the U.S.-Canada border.

How did traffickers use commercial trucks in this case?

Investigators say traffickers concealed cocaine and methamphetamine aboard long-haul semi-trucks leaving greater Los Angeles, with routes originating around Los Angeles, West Covina, Ontario, Fontana, and Perris. Those vehicles then traveled toward the U.S.-Canada border. Prosecutors claim working farms sometimes supplied trucks used to hide narcotics during those journeys.

One indictment describes a network that moved hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine each week from the United States toward Canada. Prosecutors charged Ravinder Singh Dhanda, 57, of Vancouver, Canada, along with 10 other defendants. Investigators accuse Dhanda of operating a distribution network that negotiated transportation rates and logistics with drug trafficking organizations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The organization subcontracted storage and movement of narcotics.

The indictment specifically identifies 430.1 kilograms (948 pounds) of cocaine shipped between July 2023 and November 2024. Prosecutors accuse the network of transporting additional bulk quantities beyond those movements.

What connects Kamal to the trucking operation?

Federal authorities have not connected Kamal personally to the drug thefts or trucking movements. His wanted notice lists conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion as the federal charge. A judge issued an arrest warrant in Los Angeles on July 1. Authorities describe him as an alleged member of the Bishnoi organization.

The broader Bishnoi case does involve commercial transportation. Prosecutors accuse Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, and Satinderjeet Singh (known as Goldy Brar), the enterprise's North American leader, of overseeing 49 kilograms of cocaine during November 2024. Law enforcement intercepted the drugs in Redlands, California. Investigators claim traffickers intended to move that shipment into Canada using long-haul semi-trucks.

Court records describe cocaine thefts targeting rival trafficking groups around greater Los Angeles between March 2024 and July 2025. The organization took approximately 520 kilograms (1,146 pounds) during that period. Prosecutors place those incidents as helping fund the Bishnoi organization's activities.

What motor carriers were involved?

The Justice Department does not identify any motor carriers connected to the planned movement. Public records leave unclear who controlled the equipment. Officials also have not disclosed whether legitimate transportation businesses knew about the narcotics.

Federal authorities have not publicly identified every motor carrier connected to the Dhanda shipments. The Justice Department also does not name each subcontracted transportation provider. Officials have not disclosed whether legitimate businesses unknowingly handled some movements.

What was Operation Hard Ball?

Operation Hard Ball targeted three separate India-based transnational criminal organizations operating across several countries. The Justice Department announced the investigation July 7. Federal grand juries charged 37 defendants through three indictments. Law enforcement arrested 24 people across the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Investigators seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and one kilogram of heroin during the broader probe. Authorities also recovered $40,000 in cash and 12 firearms. Teams executed 23 search warrants around Sacramento, California, plus another 11 near Los Angeles. Ten fugitives remained at large when prosecutors unveiled the operation.

The FBI, Los Angeles Police Department, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police continue investigating these matters. U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Buffalo Field Office also participates.

What does this mean for legitimate carriers?

The case shows how criminal operations can mirror legitimate freight activity, including negotiated rates, subcontracted transportation, and storage. Those similarities make it harder to identify illegal shipments moving through commercial trucking networks.

Dhanda allegedly negotiated rates before shipments moved. His organization subcontracted storage and transportation to support those movements. Prosecutors describe customers relying on the network for cross-border smuggling services. That operation remains separate from the Bishnoi enterprise connected to Kamal.

The FBI identifies its Los Angeles Field Office as handling the search for Kamal. His wanted notice lists California and India among places where he may have connections. Authorities ask anyone with information about his location to contact investigators.

Courts presume every defendant innocent unless prosecutors prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The Dhanda indictment contains eight federal counts involving controlled substances and a continuing criminal enterprise. The Bishnoi case contains separate racketeering, extortion, and drug charges.