Putnam County, Indiana, Jan 08, 2026

In a major drug bust in the United States, two Indian nationals were arrested in Indiana for allegedly trafficking over 300 pounds of cocaine, an amount authorities warned could have lethally affected more than 1,13,000 Americans. The arrests, carried out in Putnam County, highlight ongoing concerns over drug smuggling through commercial transport vehicles and have reignited debates about licensing policies and border enforcement.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the arrests on January 5, 2026, following a routine inspection of a semi-truck that revealed a substantial quantity of cocaine hidden in the sleeper berth. The individuals in custody were identified as 25-year-old Gurpreet Singh and 30-year-old Jasveer Singh, both Indian nationals operating the truck.

Discovery During Routine Inspection

According to DHS officials, the seizure took place after local authorities conducted a standard truck inspection in Putnam County, Indiana. During the inspection, officers found 309 pounds of cocaine concealed in the sleeper compartment of the vehicle. The sheer volume of the drug seizure was alarming, with authorities noting that even a small lethal dose of cocaine is only 1.2 grams. By their calculation, the amount intercepted could have potentially killed over 1,13,000 people if it had entered the streets.

The operation was part of ongoing efforts to prevent illegal narcotics from entering communities via commercial vehicles. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin underscored the severity of the situation, highlighting that the arrests prevented a substantial public health and safety risk.

Background of the Arrested Individuals

The DHS report indicated that both individuals had been issued Commercial Drivers’ Licenses (CDL) in the state of California. The issuance of licenses to the individuals became a point of contention, with Assistant Secretary McLaughlin criticizing the policies of Governor Gavin Newsom, claiming that California’s regulatory decisions and sanctuary policies contributed to the risk posed by the traffickers.

Gurpreet Singh reportedly entered the United States illegally on March 11, 2023, near Lukeville, Arizona. DHS records show that he was later released under policies during the Biden administration. The agency noted that Gurpreet Singh had freely admitted his Indian citizenship and the illegal nature of his entry into the country.

Jasveer Singh entered the U.S. on March 21, 2017, near Otay Mesa, California. Both men were detained following their arrest, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged detainers for them on January 4, 2026, shortly after the cocaine was discovered.

Political and Policy Implications

The arrests have reignited discussions around sanctuary policies, driver licensing, and border enforcement, particularly in California. Assistant Secretary McLaughlin criticized what she described as “reckless” policies under Governor Newsom, arguing that providing driver’s licenses to individuals with questionable legal status increases the potential for criminal activity, including the trafficking of dangerous narcotics.

In a statement, McLaughlin said, “Gavin Newsom and his fellow sanctuary politicians even refused to honor an arrest detainer on one of these criminal illegal aliens in December. These policies put American lives at risk.” The DHS official’s comments underline the tension between state-level immigration policies and federal enforcement efforts.

Scale and Lethality of Seized Cocaine

The seizure of 309 pounds of cocaine marks one of the more significant narcotics interceptions in recent years in Indiana. To put the scale into perspective, law enforcement officials emphasize that 1.2 grams of cocaine is considered a lethal dose, meaning that the intercepted consignment could have resulted in over one hundred thousand potential fatalities if it had reached consumers.

Authorities described the concealment method as particularly alarming. The cocaine was hidden in the sleeper berth of the truck, a location intended for resting during long-haul trips, demonstrating the lengths traffickers will go to avoid detection. Such tactics have prompted federal and state law enforcement agencies to intensify inspections of commercial vehicles and implement stricter monitoring procedures.

Broader Context: Drug Smuggling and Enforcement

This arrest is part of a larger pattern of drug smuggling through commercial freight routes in the United States. Semi-trucks and other cargo vehicles have increasingly been used as conduits for transporting large quantities of narcotics due to the relative ease of concealment and access to interstate highways.

The DHS has reported that arrests and seizures like these serve not only to remove dangerous drugs from circulationbut also to deter organized smuggling networks. In addition, the arrests of foreign nationals highlight the need for coordinated policies between federal agencies and state-level authorities to address vulnerabilities in driver licensing, immigration, and commercial transport oversight.

Local Law Enforcement Cooperation

Local authorities in Putnam County, Indiana, played a crucial role in the arrest. The operation, which began with a routine inspection, quickly escalated once the cocaine was discovered. Both individuals were taken into custody immediately, and the truck was impounded for further investigation.

The case is being handled in coordination with federal authorities, including ICE, DHS, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Investigators are working to determine whether the traffickers were part of a larger network, the intended distribution route for the drugs, and any additional accomplices involved in the smuggling operation.

Previous Incidents Involving Indian Nationals

The arrests come shortly after another case involving an India-origin student who was apprehended in the U.S. for arson and making terroristic threats against family members. While unrelated to drug trafficking, these incidents have intensified scrutiny of crimes involving foreign nationals and the mechanisms in place to prevent illegal activity.

Moving Forward: Federal Oversight and Policy Considerations

The arrests of Gurpreet Singh and Jasveer Singh underscore the need for robust screening, verification, and monitoring mechanisms for individuals operating commercial vehicles in the U.S. Federal authorities have stressed the importance of coordination between immigration services, licensing authorities, and law enforcement agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future.

DHS and ICE officials have indicated that they are reviewing current policies regarding driver licensing, particularly in states with sanctuary provisions, to assess potential risks to public safety. Discussions at both federal and state levels are expected to continue as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen border security, curb narcotics trafficking, and ensure public safety.

Public and Political Reactions

The arrest has drawn attention from political and law enforcement circles alike. Officials and advocacy groups concerned with drug policy and immigration reform have highlighted the incident as evidence of the need for stricter federal oversight and enforcement of existing laws. Meanwhile, some political commentators have used the incident to call for reviewing state-level sanctuary policies, arguing that they inadvertently create vulnerabilities that can be exploited by criminal elements.

Assistant Secretary McLaughlin’s statements have amplified these debates, putting the spotlight on the intersection of immigration, public safety, and drug enforcement policies.

Conclusion

The seizure of 309 pounds of cocaine from a semi-truck in Putnam County, Indiana, and the arrest of two Indian nationals, Gurpreet Singh and Jasveer Singh, represent a significant intervention in the fight against drug trafficking. With the quantity involved enough to potentially kill over 1,13,000 Americans, authorities have emphasized the severity of the case and the importance of ongoing vigilance at all levels of enforcement.

As federal and local authorities continue their investigation, the case serves as a cautionary example of the dangers of lax oversight, vulnerabilities in commercial transport, and the need for coordinated enforcement. While both individuals remain in custody, the broader implications of the arrest will likely influence future policies on driver licensing, border security, and narcotics trafficking prevention in the United States.