A pizza shop in California is at the center of an alleged methamphetamine distribution operation. Kawal Preet Singh, a 50-year-old Indian national living in the U.S. without legal status, has been indicted on federal drug and firearm charges, according to prosecutors.
Federal authorities uncovered over 40 pounds of methamphetamine, three guns, and more than $10,000 in cash during their investigation. Singh reportedly used the Round Table Pizza restaurant in Dinuba, located about 30 miles southeast of Fresno, for distributing significant amounts of meth.
Reports indicate that Singh pleaded not guilty during his arraignment and is currently not in custody, as per The Fresno Bee. The pizza shop is now marked as permanently closed on Google.
An employee at the Dinuba location had worked there for approximately one and a half months, according to a statement from the company given to GV Wire. Erin Mandzik, a senior director at FAT Brands, Round Table Pizza’s parent company, stated to The Fresno Bee that the restaurant was independently owned and operated. Local owners were unaware of the illegal activities and are now cooperating with authorities.
Federal agents searched Singh’s home and business on August 18 as part of an ongoing investigation into organized crime in California’s Central Valley. During the search, authorities allegedly found around 13.8 kilograms, or more than 30 pounds, of meth at Singh’s residence.
“The employee involved in the reported incident had worked at this location for approximately one and a half months,” the company told GV Wire.
An additional 4.9 kilograms, nearly 11 pounds, was reportedly discovered in Singh’s vehicle at the pizza shop. Along with the drugs, agents confiscated a semiautomatic handgun and $11,800 in cash. Photographs released by the Justice Department showcased two handguns and several bags of substances identified as methamphetamine.
The federal grand jury has charged Singh with various offenses, including distribution of methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of firearms related to drug trafficking crimes.
The probe initially started in May with information about a suspected narcotics trafficker operating in Fresno. Agents later gathered details regarding a trafficker known as “Camy,” described as a Sikh Indian involved in long-haul trucking.
The investigation revealed that a network of Sikh Indian truck drivers was aiding the transport of cocaine from Mexico into the U.S., according to The Fresno Bee. Singh, identified later by the Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, is facing charges that could result in over a decade in prison if convicted.
Singh’s next court date is set for November 4. Prosecutors remind that the charges are allegations, and Singh is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.