A man accused of using a Round Table Pizza restaurant in Dinuba, California, to distribute significant quantities of methamphetamine has been charged with federal drug and firearm offenses. Kawal Preet Singh, a 50-year-old Indian national residing illegally in the U.S., was indicted on Thursday. Authorities allege he used the Dinuba restaurant to sell over 40 pounds of the drug, along with possessing three firearms and more than $10,000 in cash.
Federal prosecutors claim Singh operated the Round Table Pizza location and used it as a hub for methamphetamine distribution. The investigation began in May with a tip about a suspected narcotics trafficker in Fresno. Investigators later received information about a trafficker known as "Camy," described as a Sikh Indian man involved in long-haul trucking, according to court documents. Evidence developed indicated that a network of truck drivers transported hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Mexico into the United States for an unidentified Mexican cartel, although Singh has not been charged with a cocaine-related crime.
Federal agents searched Singh's home and the restaurant on August 18 as part of an investigation into Indian organized crime in California's Central Valley. During the searches, agents allegedly found approximately 13.8 kilograms (over 30 pounds) of suspected methamphetamine at Singh's home and an additional 4.9 kilograms (nearly 11 pounds) in his vehicle parked at the restaurant. A handgun and $11,800 in cash were also seized.
Singh pleaded not guilty during his arraignment. The Dinuba restaurant is listed as permanently closed on Google. A spokesperson for FAT Brands, Round Table Pizza's parent company, stated that the restaurant was independently owned and operated, and that the local owners were unaware of the alleged illegal activity and were cooperating with authorities.
Singh faces charges including distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he could face at least 10 years in federal prison for the drug charges, with an additional five years possible for the firearm count. Singh is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. His next federal court hearing is scheduled for November 4.