Putnam County, Indiana – A routine traffic stop in Putnam County has led to the seizure of a massive quantity of illegal drugs, marking one of the largest cocaine busts in the area and underscoring ongoing drug interdiction efforts across Indiana.
According to Indiana State Police, two men were arrested Saturday after troopers stopped a semi-truck and discovered a large amount of cocaine hidden inside the trailer. Investigators say the stop resulted in the seizure of approximately 309 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $7 million.
The occupants of the truck were identified as Gurpreet Singh, 25, of Fresno, California, and Jasveer Singh, 30, of Santa Clara, California. Authorities said both men were taken into custody without incident at the scene. They have each been charged with dealing narcotics, a level two felony under Indiana law.
Police reported that both suspects now have ICE deportation holds placed on them. Following their arrests, the men were transported to the Putnam County Jail for processing, where they remain as the case moves forward through the legal system.
Investigators say the semi-truck was traveling from Joplin, Missouri, to Richmond, Indiana, though it remains unclear how long the drugs had been in transit or where they were ultimately intended to be distributed. State police have not released details about how the cocaine was concealed or what initially prompted the traffic stop, citing the ongoing investigation.
Indiana State Police Superintendent Anthony Scott addressed the seizure in a press release, highlighting the role of proactive patrols and coordinated enforcement in intercepting illegal drugs before they reach local communities. He emphasized that drug interdiction remains a key focus for state police, especially as trafficking networks continue to move large quantities of narcotics through major transportation corridors.
State leaders also weighed in on the arrest, reinforcing Indiana’s stance against drug trafficking. Governor Mike Braun praised the work of state troopers and law enforcement partners, stressing the broader impact of removing such a large volume of drugs from circulation.
“Indiana has zero tolerance for drug traffickers. Through coordinated efforts with federal and local partners, the Indiana State Police are proactively stopping dangerous drugs from entering our communities and harming Hoosier families. I made public safety a priority for my administration on day one and I commend our State Troopers for their hard work keeping Hoosiers safe.”
Authorities say seizures of this size can have a significant effect on disrupting supply chains and reducing the availability of illegal drugs on the street, even if temporarily. Law enforcement officials often note that interstate highways are frequently used to transport narcotics across state lines, making routine traffic enforcement a critical tool in identifying suspicious activity.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges or arrests could follow as police continue to examine the case. For now, officials say the arrest sends a clear message that Indiana law enforcement remains vigilant in its efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect communities across the state.
