INDIANA — Indiana State Police seized an estimated $7 million worth of cocaine from a semi-truck traveling through central Indiana during a routine traffic stop Saturday afternoon.
According to the Indiana State Police, a trooper conducted a stop around 1:30 p.m. on a semi tractor-trailer near the 41-mile marker on eastbound Interstate 70. During a routine compliance inspection, an ISP K-9 unit alerted to the vehicle, prompting a more extensive search.
Troopers discovered 309 pounds of cocaine hidden inside the sleeper berth of the truck. Investigators said the shipment was en route from Joplin to Richmond. Authorities estimate the street value of the seized cocaine at approximately $7 million.
The two occupants of the semi were taken into custody and transported to the Putnam County Jail. Police identified the suspects as 25-year-old Gurpreet Singh of Fresno, California, and 30-year-old Jasveer Singh of Santa Clara, California. Both men are charged with Level 2 felony dealing in narcotics.
Indiana State Police said immigration deportation holds were placed on both suspects by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The stop, search, and seizure were conducted by a full-time interdiction trooper assigned to the Drug Enforcement Section of the Indiana State Police. The investigation remains ongoing.
