Indiana – Indiana State Police troopers seized more than 300 pounds of cocaine during a traffic stop along Interstate 70 in Putnam County over the weekend, resulting in the arrest of two individuals and felony narcotics charges.
According to state police, the stop occurred Saturday, January 3, 2026, around 1:30 p.m. when a trooper conducted a routine Department of Transportation compliance inspection on a blue International semi tractor-trailer traveling eastbound near the 41-mile marker on I-70. During the inspection, troopers observed indicators of possible criminal activity and requested assistance from an Indiana State Police canine unit assigned to the Putnamville District.
The responding canine alerted to the presence of narcotics, providing probable cause for a search of the truck and trailer. During that search, troopers located approximately 309 pounds of cocaine concealed inside the sleeper berth of the semi.
Both occupants of the truck were taken into custody without incident and transported to the Putnam County Jail. Each faces charges of dealing narcotics, a Level 2 felony under Indiana law. Authorities also confirmed that ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations placed deportation holds on both individuals due to prior pending removal proceedings.
Investigators said the semi was traveling from Joplin, Missouri, to Richmond, Indiana at the time of the stop. The estimated street value of the seized cocaine is approximately $7 million.
State officials said the seizure is part of ongoing interdiction efforts aimed at preventing large quantities of illegal drugs from moving through Indiana. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Indiana State Police Criminal Interdiction Unit, the Putnamville District, the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, and a local towing service.
