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PUTNAM COUNTY - On Saturday, Jan. 3, at approximately 1:30 p.m., an Indiana State Police (ISP) trooper stopped a blue International semi tractor-trailer on I-70 at the 41 mile-marker eastbound, for a routine Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance inspection.
During conversations with the driver, criminal indicators were observed and a positive alert from an ISP K-9 led to a probable cause search, according to a news release from the ISP.
During the search, the trooper found 309 pounds of cocaine in the sleeper berth of the truck.
The two occupants were taken into custody without incident and taken to the Putnam County Jail. Both are being charged with dealing narcotics, a level 2 felony, and ICE deportation holds were placed on each of them.
The semi tractor-trailer was enroute from Joplin, Mo., to Richmond, Ind.
ISP Superintendent Anthony Scott emphasized the importance of the ISP’s commitment to full-time interdiction patrols, which work to keep illegal drugs off the road and out of Indiana communities. This investigation and seizure was conducted by a full-time interdiction trooper from the Drug Enforcement Section, the release states.
The estimated street value of the cocaine is $7 million.
Gurpreet Singh, 25, Fresno, Calif., is facing a preliminary charge of dealing narcotics, a level 2 felony.
Jasveer Singh, 30, Santa Clara, Calif., is facing a preliminary charge of dealing narcotics, a level 2 felony.
