Driver Arrested After $3.8 Million Cocaine Haul Found in Empty Trailer

Driver arrested after Indiana traffic stop uncovers $3.8 million worth of suspected cocaine

An Indiana State Police traffic stop on Interstate 70 led to the seizure of 277 pounds of suspected cocaine from a semitrailer that the driver said was empty, according to police.

The drugs were estimated to have a street value of approximately $3.8 million. The driver, identified as Harpreet Singh of Greenwood, Indiana, was taken into custody and transported to the Putnam County Jail.

The stop occurred Sept. 6 when the Indiana State Police Criminal Interdiction Unit pulled over the truck on I-70 during an inspection. Singh reportedly told investigators he was hauling an empty trailer from Memphis, Tennessee, to Indianapolis.

During the stop, a trooper observed what police described as multiple indicators that the vehicle was being operated “below industry standards.” State police did not provide additional details about the indicators.

The vehicle was impounded, and officers conducted an inspection of the trailer. During that inspection, they found several duffel bags containing what police identified as suspected cocaine. The total weight was reported at 277 pounds.

Police arrested Singh following the discovery. The information provided did not include additional details about the specific charges, a court date or whether the suspected narcotics had been submitted for laboratory testing.

For professional drivers, the case underscores the potential consequences of inconsistencies during a roadside inspection. A traffic stop can expand beyond a speeding or equipment concern when an officer identifies issues involving the vehicle, the load or the driver’s operation. In this case, the inspection ultimately led to the discovery of a large quantity of suspected narcotics inside the trailer.

Interstate 70 is a major east-west freight corridor connecting the St. Louis region, central Indiana and points farther east. The route carries a steady volume of commercial traffic, making traffic enforcement and criminal interdiction work a regular part of operations along the highway.

Authorities did not release information about where the suspected cocaine was loaded, where it was headed or whether other people were involved. Those questions typically remain part of the investigation after a seizure.

The case also highlights the importance of maintaining clear documentation and following inspection procedures during every trip. Drivers may be required to account for their equipment, cargo and movements, and they can face serious legal exposure if contraband is found in a vehicle under their control—even when they claim they were unaware of it.

Singh remained in custody at the Putnam County Jail following the arrest, according to the information provided. The suspected cocaine remains evidence in the case, and any final charges will depend on the prosecutor’s review and the results of the investigation.