The FBI, with a key assist from local California Highway Patrol officers, has arrested another suspect in a far-reaching investigation of criminal gangs based in India and operating across the globe.
Federal authorities in Los Angeles disclosed last week that Harmanveer Singh, wanted on drug smuggling charges, was arrested by the CHP in Stockton. The FBI did not disclose where in Stockton Singh was found or what led officers to him.
Singh’s arrest on July 21 is the latest in a sweep of Indian gangs under “Operation Hard Ball,” a yearslong federal investigation into three India-based transnational crime organizations accused of drug trafficking, extortion, weapons offenses, kidnappings and killings.
The Justice Department announced July 7 that 37 defendants had been charged across three federal indictments. The initial coordinated operation resulted in 24 arrests in the U.S., Canada and Europe, including 11 in California. Authorities also seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, 1 kilogram of heroin, about $40,000 and a dozen firearms.
Singh was among 10 suspects still being sought following the initial arrests. He is accused of transporting drugs as part of the Ravinder Dhanda Organized Crime Group.
Federal prosecutors allege the Dhanda organization smuggled hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine each week from the United States into Canada. The drugs were concealed in long-haul semi-trucks and, in some cases, farm vehicles traveling from Southern California to the U.S.-Canada border, authorities say.
The indictment specifically alleges the organization moved more than 430 kilograms — about 948 pounds — of cocaine between July 2023 and November 2024.
A federal arrest warrant was issued for Singh on June 23 after he was charged in the Central District of California with conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances with intent to distribute, conspiracy to export controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Singh also used the aliases Hari Gautam and Harman Sandu, according to the FBI.
“Operation Hard Ball” has tracked various Indian gangs operating in Canada and the U.S., including in California. Among those previously arrested were two other Stockton men — Gurlal Singh, 22, and Sahibdeep Singh, 24.
Singh, which translates to “lion” in Punjabi, is a common last name in India. The FBI did not indicate that any of the suspects are related.