Indiana State Police say a routine traffic stop in Putnam County led to the seizure of a large quantity of illegal narcotics over the weekend, underscoring how ordinary enforcement encounters can intersect with organized drug trafficking.
According to the Indiana State Police, a trooper conducted a compliance inspection of a semi tractor-trailer around 1:30 p.m. Saturday near the 41-mile marker on eastbound Interstate 70. During the inspection, a K-9 unit alerted, prompting a more extensive search of the vehicle.
Officers discovered approximately 309 pounds of cocaine concealed in the truck’s sleeper berth. Authorities estimate the street value of the drugs at roughly $7 million. Investigators said the semi was traveling from Joplin and was en route to Richmond at the time of the stop.
Two occupants of the truck were taken into custody and transported to the Putnam County Jail. Police identified them as Gurpreet Singh, 25, of Fresno, California, and Jasveer Singh, 30, of Santa Clara, California. Both were charged with Level 2 felony dealing in narcotics under Indiana law. Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed detainers on both men, according to police.
Authorities noted that the trooper who conducted the stop is a full-time interdiction officer assigned to the Drug Enforcement Section of the Indiana State Police. Officials emphasized that such interdiction efforts are aimed at disrupting large-scale drug distribution before it reaches local communities.
As with all criminal cases, the charges remain allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The investigation is ongoing, and additional details are expected to emerge through judicial proceedings.
The seizure highlights the scale of drug trafficking networks operating across state lines—and the role of routine enforcement, training, and lawful process in intercepting them before harm spreads further.
