Traffic stop leads to seizure of estimated $3.8 million of cocaine

An Indiana State Police Criminal Interdiction Unit conducted a traffic stop Sunday on a commercial motor vehicle traveling eastbound on I‑70 in Putnam County for a commercial motor vehicle inspection.

The driver, Harpreet Singh of Greenwood, Indiana, stated he was transporting an empty trailer from Memphis, Tennessee, to Indianapolis.

During the stop, the trooper observed the driver was operating below industry standards and the vehicle was impounded.  During the enforcement, the trooper located several duffle bags containing 277 pounds (126 kilograms) of cocaine.

The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is approximately $3.8 million. Singh was taken into custody and transported to the Putnam County Jail.

Since the outset of his Administration, Governor Braun has emphasized the importance of combating crime and enhancing public safety across Indiana. Drug interdiction has been a major priority and remains a central focus in 2026.

One key strategy in preventing illicit drugs from entering the Hoosier State is the continued expansion of the Indiana State Police Interdiction Unit. The unit, operating full-time within the Drug Enforcement Section (DES), focuses on criminal interdiction efforts along Indiana’s major thoroughfares.

Its mission is to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs and other contraband before they reach Indiana communities — helping safeguard lives and property throughout the state.