PUTNAM COUNTY – A routine Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance inspection on Saturday afternoon led to one of the largest drug seizures in recent local history. Two California men are in custody after Indiana State Police discovered over 300 pounds of cocaine hidden inside a semi-trailer.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. on January 3, 2026, an Indiana State Police trooper from the Drug Enforcement Section stopped a blue International semi tractor-trailer traveling eastbound on I-70 near the 41-mile marker.
While conducting the inspection, the trooper noted “criminal indicators” during conversations with the driver. A K-9 unit was called to the scene and provided a positive alert, giving officers probable cause to search the vehicle.
Upon searching the sleeper berth of the truck, troopers uncovered 309 pounds of cocaine. Authorities estimate the street value of the narcotics to be approximately $7 million.
The two occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody without incident and transported to the Putnam County Jail. They have been identified as:
- Gurpreet Singh, 25, of Fresno, CA
- Jasveer Singh, 30, of Santa Clara, CA
Both men face a charge of dealing narcotics, a Level 2 felony. Additionally, federal authorities have placed ICE deportation holds on both individuals.
Investigators determined the semi was en route from Joplin, Missouri, to Richmond, Indiana, when it was intercepted.
Governor Mike Braun commends the Indiana State Police and their law enforcement partners for kicking off the new year by keeping Hoosier communities safe and getting dangerous drugs off Indiana streets. Gov. Braun made public safety a major priority for his administration by increasing drug interdiction efforts and law enforcement funding.
This is part of an ongoing effort by the Indiana State Police to interdict dangerous drugs being transported through our state. At the outset of his Administration, Governor Braun emphasized the importance combatting crime and making our communities safe. Through the efforts of the Indiana State Police and their partners, positive results are occurring through significant seizures and dismantling large-scale drug organizations.
“Indiana has zero tolerance for drug traffickers,” said Gov. Mike Braun. “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.”
Indiana State Police Superintendent Anthony Scott praised the work of the interdiction team, highlighting the agency’s commitment to proactive patrols.
“Our full-time interdiction patrols are vital in keeping illegal drugs off the road and out of our communities,” Scott stated. “This seizure is a direct result of the dedicated work performed by our Drug Enforcement Section.”
The Indiana State Police Criminal Interdiction Unit was assisted by the Indiana State Police Putnamville District, Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), and Curtis Garage and Wrecker service.
