Indiana State Police found a large amount of cocaine hidden in produce while conducting a traffic stop.
An Indiana State Police trooper was patrolling I-70 near Mount Comfort Road Sunday afternoon when an eastbound semi caught his attention. The trooper is certified to perform Federal Motor Carrier Inspections on commercial vehicles.
Just after 1 p.m. Sunday, the trooper pulled over a semi to perform an inspection. Part of the inspections includes a review of the required paperwork and log book, which revealed a log book violation. The ISP report states that while interacting with the driver and co-driver, the trooper noticed criminal indicators that, based upon his training and experience, led him to ask for consent to search the semi, and the driver agreed.
The trooper located dozens of packages he suspected to be cocaine. A field test later confirmed his suspicion. The drugs were located inside boxes of onions among other produce in the trailer.
The driver of the semi and the passenger were both arrested and transported to the Hancock County Jail on probable cause of possession of cocaine.
The Hancock County Prosecutor's office has reviewed the case and subsequently filed formal charges against both individuals in Hancock Superior Court.
Jose N. Perez (66) of California Count I - Dealing in Cocaine I.C. 35-48-4-1(a)(2) and I.C. 35-48-4-1(e)(1) Level 2 Felony Count II - Possession of Cocaine I.C. 35-48-4-6(a) and I.C. 35-48-4-6(d)(1) Level 3 Felonly Miguel Rodriguez (60) of California Count I - Dealing in Cocaine I.C. 35-48-4-1(a)(2) and I.C. 35-48-4-1(e)(1) Level 2 Felony Count II - Possession of Cocaine I.C. 35-48-4-6(a) and I.C. 35-48-4-6(d)(1) Level 3 Felonly
The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Hancock County Sheriff's Office and worked closely with the Hancock County Prosecutor for charges. The truck was towed to Johnson's Towing in Greenfield to be offloaded to complete the search.
"I am grateful for the effort and cooperation of all involved that has provided us with the evidence to bring these charges. This is a great example of the type of alert police work and interagency cooperation that keeps our community among the nation’s safest," said Hancock County Prosecutor Brad Eaton.
American Red Cross urges the public to donate blood
Miss Lawrence County competes in state pageant
Lawrence County law enforcement makes four arrests
State committee approves IDOC mail rule
Information sought in Lawrence County man's death
U.S. Rep. Yakym’s bipartisan BARCODE Efficiency Act Advances
Thacker joins IHA Board of Directors
St Francisville City Council moves on water tower project
Miss Lawrence County heads to Springfield
New hanger planned at Mid-American Air Center
Two agreements approved by Vincennes Board of Works and Safety
Two arrests made by Lawrence County authorities
Deadline approaching for blind, disabled Hoosiers and seniors to receive property tax credits
Bridgeport Senior Center to close this week
One Night, One Cause: Indiana FFA needs your support for their ‘Blue and Gold Gala’
Gov. Braun secures National Drone Test Site Designation for Indiana
ISP with Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative this week
GSH implements masking restriction
