FBIArrest – Punjab Native Held in California Over Alleged Cross-Border Drug Trafficking Links
FBIArrest – The Federal Bureau of Investigation has arrested an Indian national from Punjab who is accused of being part of an international drug trafficking network operating across North America. The arrest is part of an ongoing crackdown on transnational organised crime groups that authorities say are involved in the movement of illegal narcotics between the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Arrest Made in California Following Federal Warrant
Harmanveer Singh, originally from Punjab, was taken into custody in Stockton, California, on Tuesday during an operation carried out by officers of the California Highway Patrol. According to the FBI, Singh had been placed on its most wanted list for his alleged association with the Ravinder Dhanda organised crime group, which investigators claim has been active in large-scale narcotics trafficking.
Federal authorities said Singh faces multiple charges related to controlled substances, including conspiracy to distribute drugs, possession with intent to distribute, and conspiracy to export illegal narcotics. Officials allege that his activities formed part of a wider criminal network operating across international borders.
Charges Filed by US Court
Court documents show that a federal arrest warrant against Singh was issued on June 23, 2026, by the United States District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles. Prosecutors charged him with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute, and conspiracy to export narcotics outside the United States.
Investigators believe the alleged offences were connected to organised criminal operations that involved the movement of prohibited drugs through multiple countries. The FBI has stated that the investigation into the network remains active.
Ravinder Dhanda Group Under Investigation
The FBI said the Ravinder Dhanda Organised Crime Group is believed to be headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. According to investigators, the network allegedly coordinated the transportation of significant quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine for drug trafficking organisations operating in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Authorities claim the organisation relied on cross-border routes and criminal partnerships to move narcotics across North America. Law enforcement agencies from several countries have been working together to investigate the group’s alleged activities.
Recent Arrests Linked to Indian Crime Networks
Singh’s arrest follows another recent action involving an Indian national. Just days earlier, FBI agents arrested 26-year-old Nitish Kaushal in Vermont while he was allegedly attempting to cross into Canada. Investigators have linked Kaushal to the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria organised crime group.
His detention came shortly after the FBI released a wanted notice seeking information about his whereabouts. Officials have not disclosed additional details regarding the ongoing investigation in that case.
Reward Announced for Goldy Brar
The FBI has also continued efforts to locate Satinderjeet Singh, better known as Goldy Brar, who investigators describe as a senior North American figure associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The agency has announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest.
US authorities allege that Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi have directed criminal operations extending beyond India. Among the allegations against them is involvement in ordering the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, Canada. Those allegations remain part of continuing international investigations.
International Crackdown Continues
The latest arrest comes amid wider enforcement efforts targeting organised crime groups with links to India. Earlier this month, law enforcement agencies from the United States, Canada and several European countries carried out Operation Hard Ball, a coordinated investigation aimed at dismantling transnational criminal networks.
During the operation, authorities arrested 24 individuals connected to three India-based organised crime groups, including 11 suspects in California. The US Department of Justice also announced criminal charges against a total of 37 individuals as part of the same investigation, underscoring the growing international cooperation against cross-border organised crime.