{"id":128416,"date":"2026-01-04T15:28:45","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T20:28:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/?p=128416"},"modified":"2026-01-04T18:08:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T23:08:16","slug":"7m-of-cocaine-discovered-during-routine-dot-inspection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/2026\/01\/04\/7m-of-cocaine-discovered-during-routine-dot-inspection\/","title":{"rendered":"$7M of Cocaine discovered during routine DOT Inspection"},"content":{"rendered":"

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On January 3, 2026, at 0130 hours, an Indiana State Police Trooper stopped a blue International semi tractor-trailer on I-70 at the 41 mile-marker eastbound for a routine DOT compliance inspection. <\/p>\n

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News release from Indiana Governor Mike Braun’s office:<\/p>\n

Gov. Mike Braun Praises Law Enforcement for Estimated $7 Million Dollars of Cocaine Discovered During Routine DOT Inspection<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Photo courtesy of the State of Indiana.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Indianapolis, Indiana (January 4, 2026) \u2013 Governor Mike Braun commends the Indiana State Police and their law enforcement partners for kicking off the new year by keeping Hoosier communities safe and getting dangerous drugs off Indiana streets. Gov. Braun made public safety a major priority for his administration by increasing drug interdiction efforts and law enforcement funding.<\/p>\n

On Saturday, January 3, 2026, at approximately 1:30 p.m., an Indiana State Police Trooper stopped a blue International semi tractor-trailer on I-70 at the 41 mile-marker eastbound for a routine DOT compliance inspection. During conversations with the driver, criminal indicators were observed. The Trooper, who is assigned to the Indiana State Police Interdiction Team, requested assistance from a ISP Putnamville District canine trooper. The ISP canine unit arrived, and a positive alert was indicated which led to a probable cause search of the semi tractor and trailer.<\/p>\n

During the search, the troopers found 309 pounds of cocaine in the sleeper berth of the truck.<\/p>\n

The two occupants were taken into custody without incident and transported to the Putnam County Jail. Both are being charged with dealing narcotics, a Level 2 Felony. ICE deportation holds were placed on each of them by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations(ERO) due to prior pending removal proceedings. <\/p>\n

The semi tractor-trailer was enroute from Joplin, Missouri, to Richmond, Indiana.<\/p>\n

This is part of an ongoing effort by the Indiana State Police to interdict dangerous drugs being transported through our state. At the outset of his Administration, Governor Braun emphasized the importance combatting crime and making our communities safe. Through the efforts of the Indiana State Police and their partners, positive results are occurring through significant seizures and dismantling large-scale drug organizations.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndiana has zero tolerance for drug traffickers,” said Gov. Mike Braun. “Through coordinated efforts with federal and local partners, the Indiana State Police are proactively stopping dangerous drugs from entering our communities and harming Hoosier families. I made public safety a priority for my administration on day one and I commend our State Troopers for their hard work keeping Hoosiers safe.\u201d
\nThe Indiana State Police Criminal Interdiction Unit was assisted by the Indiana State Police Putnamville District, Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, Putnam County Sheriff\u2019s Department, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), and Curtis Garage and Wrecker service.<\/p>\n

The estimated street value of the cocaine is $7 million dollars.<\/p>\n

Arrested and Charges<\/strong>:<\/p>\n