The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Indian national Harmanveer Singh for his alleged involvement in an international drug trafficking network linked to the Canada-based Ravinder Dhanda gang.
Singh was taken into custody in Stockton, California, on Tuesday by officers of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) during a coordinated law enforcement operation. According to the FBI, the arrest was carried out as part of an ongoing effort to dismantle transnational organised crime groups involved in narcotics trafficking, violent crime, and other illegal activities across North America.
The FBI said the arrest followed Operation Hard Ball, a large-scale international enforcement initiative targeting criminal organisations allegedly run by Lawrence Bishnoi, Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, and Ravinder Dhanda. The operation involved close coordination among multiple law enforcement agencies in the United States, Canada, and other partner jurisdictions to identify and apprehend individuals associated with these organised crime networks.
In a statement, the FBI described Operation Hard Ball as a significant cross-border crackdown aimed at disrupting sophisticated criminal syndicates engaged in drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion, and related offences. Investigators believe these networks operate across several countries, using complex financial and logistical channels to facilitate the movement of narcotics and illicit funds.
According to officials, Harmanveer Singh is suspected of playing a role in the drug trafficking activities allegedly carried out on behalf of the Ravinder Dhanda gang. While the FBI has not publicly disclosed the specific charges filed against Singh or detailed the quantity and type of narcotics involved, authorities said the investigation remains active and additional information may be released as legal proceedings progress.
The arrest underscores growing cooperation between US and Canadian law enforcement agencies in tackling organised crime groups that operate across international borders. Over the past few years, authorities have intensified efforts to dismantle networks accused of trafficking drugs, illegal firearms, and other contraband while engaging in violent criminal activities.
Operation Hard Ball is one of the latest coordinated initiatives targeting transnational gangs with alleged links to South Asia and North America. Officials said such criminal organisations often rely on extensive international networks to recruit members, transport narcotics, launder proceeds of crime, and evade law enforcement scrutiny.
Also read: Sri Lankan navy arrests nine Indian fishermen
Law enforcement agencies have stressed that disrupting these networks requires sustained intelligence sharing, coordinated investigations, and joint enforcement actions involving multiple jurisdictions. The FBI said it would continue working closely with domestic and international partners to identify individuals involved in organised criminal enterprises and bring them to justice.
Authorities have not indicated whether Singh will face additional charges in Canada or whether extradition proceedings could be initiated in connection with any ongoing investigations there. Officials also have not disclosed whether further arrests are expected as part of Operation Hard Ball.
The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement agencies have urged anyone with information related to organised criminal activities linked to the targeted gangs to cooperate with investigators.
The arrest comes amid increased international attention on transnational organised crime syndicates accused of expanding their operations beyond their traditional areas of influence. Security agencies in several countries have stepped up efforts to curb cross-border drug trafficking and dismantle criminal organisations that exploit international supply chains and financial networks.
Further details regarding the case are expected to emerge as court proceedings advance and investigators continue their probe into the alleged activities of the Ravinder Dhanda gang and other organised crime groups targeted under Operation Hard Ball.
Follow us
