Federal prosecutors have charged a California restaurant operator after investigators seized more than 40 pounds of suspected methamphetamine from his home and vehicle.
According to a federal affidavit, authorities also recovered three firearms, a digital scale and $11,800 in cash during searches connected to the case. The investigation originated from a broader FBI organized crime probe involving long-haul truck drivers and alleged cross-border drug trafficking.
A federal grand jury indicted 50-year-old Kawal Preet Singh on Sept. 3. Prosecutors accuse him of methamphetamine distribution, possession with intent to distribute and carrying a firearm during drug trafficking.
Singh operated a Round Table Pizza restaurant in Dinuba, California. Authorities allege that he used the business to distribute wholesale quantities of drugs while possessing illegal firearms.
A trucking network allegedly moved cocaine across borders
The FBI’s Fresno Resident Agency launched its organized crime investigation in February 2025. Intelligence gathered during the inquiry linked suspected participants to drug trafficking, extortion, human trafficking and cargo theft.
In May 2026, investigators received information about a Fresno-area narcotics trafficker known as “Camy.” According to an informant, Camy was a Sikh Indian man involved in long-haul trucking and worked with other Sikh Indian drivers who transported narcotics.
Investigators subsequently developed evidence concerning hundreds of kilograms of cocaine allegedly entering the United States from Mexico. The federal affidavit attributes those shipments to an unidentified Mexican cartel. Some of the loads were reportedly transported onward through the United States before ultimately reaching Canada.
Court records place Singh within the broader investigation. However, the affidavit does not explicitly identify Singh as Camy, nor does it accuse him of personally transporting cocaine in commercial trucks.
Authorities have also not identified the carriers involved, the drivers, USDOT numbers, specific routes or border crossings connected to those shipments.
Searches reveal nearly 19 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine
A federal magistrate authorized searches involving Singh, his residence and his restaurant on Aug. 13.
Five days later, agents observed Singh driving from his home to the Dinuba restaurant. Investigators approached him after he unlocked the entrance and entered the premises alone. Search warrants were then executed at both locations at approximately 11 a.m.
Agents seized Singh’s iPhone before questioning him inside the restaurant. The affidavit says Singh acknowledged that he was storing methamphetamine for a friend “because of friendship.” He also told investigators that he had not sold the drug for roughly two months.
Investigators later found a photograph on his phone showing a white crystalline substance.
At Singh’s residence, agents recovered approximately 13.8 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine. Another 4.9 kilograms were found inside his Hyundai Sonata and produced a positive presumptive test result.
Together, the suspected drugs weighed approximately 18.7 kilograms, or more than 41 pounds.
Investigators said the substances were packaged in a similar manner across the locations searched.
Guns, cash and a digital scale also recovered
Authorities also seized two concealed handguns from the restaurant, including an unserialized firearm.
At the residence, agents found an Accu-Tek semiautomatic pistol, a digital scale and $11,800 in assorted denominations.
According to the affidavit, the cash and firearm were concealed inside clothing in a closet located near three bags containing methamphetamine.
An HSI agent said those circumstances were consistent with the distribution of narcotics in bulk quantities.
A federal grand jury subsequently returned three counts connected to the investigation.
Key details of the broader trucking probe remain unclear
Several elements of the investigation have not been publicly explained.
The government has not identified “Camy” or detailed Singh’s alleged connection, if any, to that individual. Authorities have also not named the suspected Mexican cartel or disclosed the carriers, routes and shipment details associated with the cocaine investigation.
Court filings do not state whether federal agents searched or seized any commercial trucks. The records also do not identify victims of cargo theft, trafficking survivors or additional related charges.
Singh faces a sentence of at least 10 years and potentially life in prison if convicted on the drug charges. The firearm charge carries an additional consecutive sentence ranging from five years to life.
A judge released Singh on Aug. 24 under home detention, location monitoring and other conditions.
As with all federal criminal proceedings, Singh is presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
FreightWaves contacted federal authorities, Singh’s attorney and Round Table Pizza for comment. The story will be updated if responses are received.
Why the case matters to trucking
The investigation highlights how criminal organizations can attempt to exploit legitimate trucking operations to move drugs, stolen cargo and trafficking victims across borders.
For freight professionals, the case also underscores the importance of understanding how law enforcement identifies criminal networks operating within legitimate commercial transportation channels.
