Two Indian nationals working as truck drivers in the United States were arrested in Indiana following the discovery of a large quantity of cocaine during a routine highway inspection conducted earlier this month. Authorities said the seizure took place on January 3, when state police stopped a semi-truck traveling along Interstate 70 in Putnam County and uncovered approximately 309 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of $7 million.

According to law enforcement officials, the truck was pulled over for a standard commercial vehicle compliance inspection. During the process, officers noticed irregularities around the sleeper berth area of the vehicle. A narcotics detection dog was deployed and alerted officers to the possible presence of controlled substances, prompting a more extensive search of the truck.

Investigators reported that the search led to the discovery of multiple cardboard boxes concealed beneath a blanket in the sleeper berth. The boxes were found to contain packages of cocaine. The Department of Homeland Security stated that the quantity seized represented a significant threat to public safety, noting that the amount intercepted could have resulted in widespread harm had it entered illegal distribution networks.

The drivers were identified as Gurpreet Singh, 25, and Jasveer Singh, 30. Both men were taken into custody at the scene and subsequently lodged at the Putnam County Jail. Indiana State Police confirmed that felony narcotics trafficking charges have been filed against the suspects. Federal immigration authorities placed detainers on both individuals on January 4 to ensure they remain in custody while legal proceedings continue.

During questioning, the two men reportedly denied knowledge of the cocaine found in the truck. They told investigators that their employer had instructed them to transport the vehicle to Richmond, Indiana, where they were to deliver it to an Indian restaurant and wait for further instructions regarding a consignment. Authorities said these claims are being examined as part of the broader investigation.

Police alleged that both individuals entered the United States unlawfully. Gurpreet Singh is accused of entering the country through Arizona in March 2023, while Jasveer Singh allegedly crossed into the United States through California in March 2017. Law enforcement officials also disclosed that Jasveer Singh was arrested in California last month on charges related to receiving stolen property, a case unrelated to the Indiana drug seizure.

Following the arrests, a senior Department of Homeland Security official criticized policies that allowed the suspects to obtain commercial driver’s licenses despite their immigration status. The official argued that such policies expose vulnerabilities in the transportation system and can be exploited by criminal organizations engaged in large-scale drug trafficking.

Federal authorities emphasized that immigration enforcement officers have lodged detainers to prevent the suspects from being released into the community. Investigators continue to examine the origin of the cocaine, its intended destination, and whether the seizure is connected to a larger trafficking operation.

The case remains under active investigation, with state and federal agencies coordinating efforts to determine whether additional individuals or networks were involved in the transportation and attempted distribution of the narcotics.