by Putnam County, IN – Indiana State Police have made a major breakthrough in their fight against drug trafficking after seizing an estimated $7 million worth of cocaine during a traffic stop along Interstate 70, authorities confirmed.
The massive drug seizure occurred Saturday afternoon during what initially appeared to be a routine Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance inspection involving a semi-truck. What troopers uncovered instead was one of the largest cocaine busts in the region in recent months.
Routine Inspection Leads to Major Drug Discovery
According to officials, an Indiana State Police trooper stopped a semi-truck traveling eastbound on I-70 for a standard DOT inspection. The truck was en route from Joplin, Missouri, to Richmond, Indiana, when the inspection took place.
During the process, the trooper reportedly noticed criminal indicators that raised suspicion. Based on those observations, law enforcement conducted a K-9 sniff around the vehicle. The trained police dog alerted to the presence of narcotics, giving officers probable cause to conduct a more thorough search.
That search led to the discovery of 309 pounds of cocaine hidden inside the driver’s sleeping compartment of the semi-truck. Investigators estimate the street value of the narcotics at approximately $7 million.
Two Men Arrested, Facing Felony Drug Charges
Following the discovery, two men were taken into custody at the scene. Authorities identified the suspects as 25-year-old Gurpreet Singh and 30-year-old Jasveer Singh, both residents of California.
Both individuals have been formally charged with felony drug dealing, a serious offense that carries significant prison time if convicted.
After their arrest, the suspects were transported to the Putnam County Jail, located just west of Indianapolis, where they remain in custody.
ICE Places Deportation Holds on Suspects
In addition to state-level criminal charges, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed deportation holds, also known as immigration detainers, on both men.
These detainers are federal requests asking local authorities to keep the suspects in custody for up to 48 hours beyond their scheduled release. This allows federal immigration officials time to assume custody and begin potential deportation proceedings.
Officials confirmed that both Gurpreet Singh and Jasveer Singh are currently subject to these ICE holds while their criminal cases move forward.
Governor Mike Braun Praises Law Enforcement Efforts
Indiana Governor Mike Braun publicly praised the seizure, calling it a clear example of the state’s commitment to stopping illegal drugs before they reach communities.
“Indiana has zero tolerance for drug traffickers,” Gov. Braun said. “Through coordinated efforts with federal and local partners, the Indiana State Police are proactively stopping dangerous drugs from entering our communities and harming Hoosier families.”
State officials emphasized that collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies played a key role in the successful interception of the narcotics.
Part of a Broader Anti-Drug Trafficking Initiative
Indiana State Police described the seizure as part of an ongoing strategy to disrupt large-scale drug trafficking operations moving through the Midwest’s major highway corridors.
In a statement, police said:
“Through the efforts of the Indiana State Police and their partners, positive results are occurring through significant seizures and the dismantling of large-scale drug organizations.”
Interstate highways like I-70 are frequently used by traffickers to move illegal drugs across state lines, making routine inspections and proactive policing critical to interdiction efforts.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not released additional details about the larger drug network potentially connected to the seizure, but the investigation remains ongoing. Police say removing hundreds of pounds of cocaine from circulation represents a significant blow to organized trafficking operations.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, as officials stress that community awareness plays a crucial role in public safety.
Do you believe highway drug interdictions are effective in stopping large-scale trafficking? Should penalties be tougher for interstate drug smuggling? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below.
