A California man has been charged with federal drug and firearm offenses after authorities allegedly uncovered a large quantity of methamphetamine and firearms at his residence and a local pizza restaurant where he worked.
Kawal Preet Singh, a 50-year-old Indian national living in the United States without authorization, was indicted on Thursday on charges of distributing methamphetamine, possessing the substance with the intent to distribute it, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to federal prosecutors, Singh operated the Round Table Pizza restaurant in Dinuba, a city in Tulare County about 30 miles southeast of Fresno, and used the business as a hub for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine. Investigators allegedly found over 40 pounds of methamphetamine, three guns, and more than $10,000 in cash at Singh's residence and the restaurant.
Singh pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment on Thursday and is not in custody, according to local reports. The Round Table Pizza restaurant in Dinuba is listed as permanently closed on Google, and the company's parent organization, FAT Brands, stated that the local owners had no knowledge of the alleged illegal activity and were cooperating with authorities.
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. Investigators allegedly found over 30 pounds of methamphetamine at Singh's residence and nearly 11 pounds at the restaurant. Agents also seized a semiautomatic handgun and $11,800 in cash.
Singh faces at least 10 years in federal prison if convicted of the drug charges, and the firearm count could add at least five more years to his sentence. His next federal court hearing is scheduled for November 4.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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