Feds Charge California Operator After Seizing 41 Pounds of Meth

Federal prosecutors charged Kawal Preet Singh, 50, after agents seized approximately 41 pounds of methamphetamine from his Dinuba, California, residence and vehicle on Aug. 18. A federal grand jury indicted Singh on Sept. 3 on charges of methamphetamine distribution, possession with intent, and carrying a firearm during drug trafficking. Singh operated a Round Table Pizza restaurant in Dinuba.

What did investigators find during the searches?

Agents recovered approximately 13.8 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine from Singh's residence and another 4.9 kilograms from his Hyundai Sonata, according to a federal affidavit. Combined weight reached approximately 18.7 kilograms, or more than 41 pounds. Investigators also seized three firearms (including one unserialized weapon), a digital scale, and $11,800 in cash. Authorities found cash and a firearm hidden inside clothing within a closet near three methamphetamine bags.

Agents watched Singh drive from his residence to the Dinuba business on Aug. 18, five days after a federal magistrate authorized the searches. They approached after he unlocked the entrance and entered alone, then executed warrants at both locations around 11 a.m. Agents seized Singh's iPhone before interviewing him inside the restaurant. The affidavit states he acknowledged storing methamphetamine for a friend "because of friendship" and claimed he had not sold the drug for approximately two months. Investigators later found a photograph showing a white crystalline substance on his device.

How does this case connect to long-haul trucking?

The FBI's Fresno Resident Agency opened an organized crime investigation during February 2025. Intelligence connected suspected participants with drug trafficking, extortion, human trafficking, and cargo theft. Agents received information about a Fresno-area narcotics trafficker called "Camy" during May 2026. An informant described Camy as a Sikh Indian man involved in long-haul trucking.

The source claimed Camy worked with other Sikh Indian drivers who transported narcotics. Investigators later developed evidence concerning hundreds of kilograms of cocaine entering from Mexico. The affidavit attributes those shipments to an unspecified Mexican cartel. Some loads reportedly continued through the United States before reaching Canada.

Court records identify Singh as a subject within that broader inquiry. However, the affidavit never explicitly identifies Singh as Camy. It also does not accuse him of personally hauling cocaine aboard commercial vehicles. Authorities disclosed no carriers, drivers, USDOT numbers, routes, or border crossings. Court filings do not disclose whether agents searched or seized any commercial trucks.

What charges does Singh face?

Singh faces at least 10 years and potentially life imprisonment following any drug conviction. The firearm count carries another consecutive term between five years and life. A judge released him under home detention, location monitoring, and other conditions on Aug. 24. Federal law presumes Singh innocent unless prosecutors prove every charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

The government has not identified Camy or explained Singh's possible connection with that person. Officials also withheld the suspected cartel's name, participating carrier details, and shipment routes. Records provide no identified cargo theft victims, trafficking survivors, or related charges.

What this means for freight security

Criminal organizations can exploit legitimate trucking activity to move drugs, stolen cargo, and trafficking victims across borders. The FBI's February 2025 investigation connected suspected participants with cargo theft alongside drug trafficking, extortion, and human trafficking. Freight professionals operating cross-border lanes need accurate information about how authorities identify networks operating within commercial transportation, particularly when vetting carriers for new business relationships.