Putnam County, IN – A routine traffic stop along Interstate 70 turned into a major drug seizure after Indiana State Police discovered nearly 400 pounds of suspected cocaine inside a commercial vehicle.
According to Indiana State Police, a criminal interdiction trooper stopped a semi-truck this morning near the 37-mile marker, close to Cloverdale, for speeding. During the stop, investigators observed what they described as multiple indicators of potential criminal activity.
Authorities say the driver, identified as 27-year-old Harmandeep Singh of Bakersfield, California, consented to a search of the tractor-trailer. Inside, troopers allegedly found several duffle bags and boxes containing approximately 392 pounds (178 kilograms) of suspected cocaine.
Officials estimate the street value of the seized narcotics at around $9 million.
Singh was taken into custody and transported to the Putnam County Jail, where he is being held on a $30,000 cash bond. He faces preliminary charges of dealing in a narcotic drug, a Level 2 felony, and possession of a narcotic drug, a Level 3 felony.
According to police, final charging decisions will be made by the Putnam County Prosecutor’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities remind the public that all charges are allegations, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
