AI Generated Summary
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a wanted notice for a 30-year-old Indian national from Punjab in connection with an alleged international narcotics trafficking operation spanning the United States, Canada and Mexico.
- The charges against Singh remain allegations, and he is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in a court of law.
- Law-enforcement agencies have described the case as significant because of the alleged volume of drugs involved and the geographical reach of the suspected trafficking network.
US authorities allege 30-year-old has links to Vancouver-based organised crime network
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a wanted notice for a 30-year-old Indian national from Punjab in connection with an alleged international narcotics trafficking operation spanning the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Amritpal Singh is accused of being associated with the Vancouver-based Ravinder Dhanda Organized Crime Group, which US investigators claim was involved in transporting substantial quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine across international borders.
A federal arrest warrant was issued against Singh on June 23 by the US District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles. He faces charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances with the intention of distribution, along with conspiracy to export controlled substances.
The action forms part of Operation Hard Ball, a coordinated investigation involving the FBI and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The operation has targeted criminal networks allegedly connected to the Dhanda, Bishnoi and Bhagwanpuria groups.
Investigators have claimed that the organisation relied on an extensive cross-border network to arrange and supervise drug consignments. Undercover officers and confidential informants were reportedly used during the investigation to track the movement of suspected shipments and gather evidence against members of the network.
According to US authorities, more than 948 pounds of cocaine was allegedly trafficked across international borders between 2023 and 2024. The organisation is also suspected of handling methamphetamine consignments across North America.
Law-enforcement agencies have described the case as significant because of the alleged volume of drugs involved and the geographical reach of the suspected trafficking network.
Operation Hard Ball has resulted in several arrests since June 23 and is said to have disrupted parts of the groups’ leadership and distribution structure. Investigators are continuing efforts to locate other accused individuals and identify remaining links in the network.
Singh’s whereabouts are currently unknown. His inclusion among the FBI’s wanted fugitives makes his arrest a priority for US federal authorities and could lead to cooperation with law-enforcement agencies in other countries.
The charges against Singh remain allegations, and he is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in a court of law.
