Indiana State Police say a routine DOT compliance inspection in Putnam County led to the seizure of 309 pounds of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of about $7 million.
Police said a trooper stopped a blue International semi tractor-trailer on Interstate 70 eastbound near the 41-mile marker at about 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3. During the stop, the trooper observed what police described as “criminal indicators,” and an Indiana State Police K-9 later alerted on the vehicle, giving troopers probable cause to search.
The cocaine was found inside the sleeper berth of the truck, Investigators said.
The semi was traveling from Joplin, Missouri, to Richmond, Indiana.
Two people were taken into custody and booked into the Putnam County Jail, Indiana State Police said. Police identified them as Gurpreet Singh, 25, of Fresno, California, and Jasveer Singh, 30, of Santa Clara, California.
Both face dealing narcotics charges, police said. Indiana State Police also said federal immigration authorities placed deportation holds on both individuals because of prior pending removal proceedings.
