Two Indian truck drivers were arrested in Indiana after 309 pounds of cocaine were found hidden in a semi-truck. Photos: X.
Two Indian truck drivers, Gurpreet Singh (25) and Jasveer Singh (30), were arrested in the US state of Indiana after authorities recovered 309 pounds of cocaine concealed inside a semi-truck, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement on January 5.
DHS said both men are Indian nationals and were taken into custody following a routine Department of Transportation compliance inspection that escalated into a major drug bust in Putnam County, Indiana, according to a report by Fox59.
The stop occurred at around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, on Interstate 70 near the 41-mile marker in Putnam County. An Indiana State Police trooper pulled over a blue International semi-truck for a standard compliance check.
While speaking with the driver, the trooper reportedly observed what authorities described as “criminal indicators.” A K9 unit was deployed and subsequently alerted to the possible presence of narcotics inside the vehicle, providing probable cause for a search.
Authorities told Fox59 the truck was traveling from Joplin, Missouri, to Richmond, Indiana.
During the search, troopers discovered 309 pounds of cocaine concealed inside the sleeper berth of the semi-truck.
“With a lethal dose of cocaine being as little as 1.2 grams, that is enough to kill more than 113,000 Americans,” DHS said in its release.
Following their arrest by local authorities, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged detainers on January 4 against Gurpreet Singh and Jasveer Singh, DHS said.
Both men were reported to be in possession of Commercial Drivers’ Licenses issued by the state of California.
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin criticised California Governor Gavin Newsom over the issuance of commercial driver’s licenses to the two men, calling the state’s policies “reckless.”
“Gavin Newsom and his fellow sanctuary politicians even refused to honour an arrest detainer on one of these criminal illegal aliens in December,” DHS quoted McLaughlin as saying.
She further stated that California’s sanctuary policies are putting American lives at risk.
According to DHS, Gurpreet Singh illegally entered the United States on March 11, 2023, near Lukeville, Arizona. DHS said he later freely admitted that he was a citizen of India and had entered the country unlawfully.
He was subsequently released into the US under the Biden administration, DHS said.
DHS said Jasveer Singh entered the United States on March 21, 2017, near Otay Mesa, California. He was arrested by Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, according to the department.
Both Gurpreet Singh and Jasveer Singh now face felony charges for dealing narcotics, Indiana State Police said. ICE deportation holds have been placed on both men.
Also Read: Exile Communities at Risk? Tibet Groups Flag Espionage Risks in China’s London Mega Embassy Proposal
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
US President Trump Announces US Will Refine and Sell Up to 50 Million Barrels of Venezuelan Oil
President Donald Trump announces the US will immediately begin refining and selling up to 50…
Ayodhya Bans Non-Veg Food Near Ram Temple and Panchkosi Route, Online Orders Also Prohibited
Ayodhya authorities ban non-vegetarian food sales and online deliveries near the Ram Temple and along…
Kendall Jenner Responds to Rumours About Her Sexuality, Clears Up Speculation
Kendall Jenner addresses long-running sexuality rumours on a podcast, firmly denying claims she is secretly…
