(PUTNAM COUNTY, IN) - Indiana State Police seized an estimated $7 million worth of cocaine during a routine traffic stop in Putnam County on Saturday afternoon. According to Indiana State Police, a trooper stopped a semi tractor-trailer around 1:30 p.m. near the 41-mile marker on eastbound Interstate 70 while the truck was traveling toward Richmond. During a standard compliance inspection, an ISP K-9 unit alerted, prompting a more extensive search of the vehicle.
Troopers discovered 309 pounds of cocaine hidden in the sleeper berth of the semi. Investigators said the truck originated in Joplin, Missouri, and the drugs are valued at approximately $7 million. Two occupants of the truck were arrested and taken to the Putnam County Jail. Gurpreet Singh, 25, of Fresno, California, and Jasveer Singh, 30, of Santa Clara, California, were each charged with Level 2 felony dealing narcotics. ICE deportation holds were also placed on both men.
State police said the trooper who conducted the stop, search, and seizure is a full-time interdiction officer assigned to the Drug Enforcement Section of the Indiana State Police.