U.S. authorities have arrested two Indian nationals in Indiana after a routine highway inspection led to the discovery of a large quantity of cocaine hidden inside a semi-truck, according to court records and law enforcement officials.
The suspects, Gurpreet Singh (25) and Jasveer Singh (30), were taken into custody over the weekend after a K-9 unit alerted officers to the presence of narcotics during a commercial vehicle inspection. A subsequent search of the truck revealed approximately 309 pounds of cocaine, estimated to be worth about $7 million, concealed inside cardboard boxes in the sleeper berth of the vehicle.
The seizure was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which stated the quantity of cocaine was significant enough to pose a serious public safety threat.
According to Indiana State Police, both men now face felony charges related to narcotics trafficking. Deportation holds have also been placed on the accused.
Court documents indicate that the drivers claimed they were unaware of the contents of the cargo. They told investigators that their trucking company had instructed them to drive to Richmond, Indiana, and wait near an Indian restaurant for further instructions.
Authorities said Gurpreet Singh entered the United States in 2023, while Jasveer Singh entered in 2017. Records show Jasveer Singh had previously been arrested in California last month on a charge related to receiving stolen property.
Following the arrests, DHS officials criticized state-level policies related to immigration enforcement. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that sanctuary policies undermine public safety and allow criminal networks to exploit transportation systems.
Indiana State Police said the investigation remains ongoing. No additional suspects have been identified, and officials have not released details about the origin or intended destination of the narcotics.