'Enough to kill 1,13,000 Americans': 2 Indians arrested in US's Indiana for trafficking cocaine

The 309 pounds of cocaine was found concealed in the sleeper berth of the semi-truck that two Indians were operating in Indiana's Putnam County.

Updated on: Jan 8, 2026, 13:49:59 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Two truck drivers were arrested in the US state of Indiana for allegedly smuggling over 300 pounds of cocaine inside a semi truck, the US Department of Homeland Security said on January 5. The DHS release said that both individuals were from India, and were arrested after a routine truck inspection led to the recovery of 309 pounds of cocaine.

Local authorities in Putnam County, Indiana, arrested 25-year-old Gurpreet Singh and 30-year-old Jasveer Singh after 309 pounds of cocaine was found in the truck they were driving (DHS)

On January 4, Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged detainers for 25-year-old Gurpreet Singh and 30-year-old Jasveer Singh, after their arrest by the local authorities in Putnam County in Indiana.

“With a lethal dose of cocaine being as little as 1.2 grams, that is enough to kill more than 113,000 Americans,” the DHS release read. The authorities also said that 309 pounds of cocaine was found concealed in the sleeper berth of the semi-truck.

Both individuals were given Commercial Drivers' Licenses issued by the state of California, DHS reported. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin called out Gavin Newsom for granting the individuals a driver's license, calling his policies “reckless.”

Also read: Indian woman detained in US during green card interview, claims family

“Gavin Newsom and his fellow sanctuary politicians even refused to honour an arrest detainer on one of these criminal illegal aliens in December," DHS quoted McLaughlin as saying. She also said that Gavin's sanctuary policies are putting American lives at risk.

Gurpreet Singh illegally entered the US, back on March 11, 2023, near Lukeville, Arizona. He was later released in the US under the Biden administration. According to DHS, Gurpreet freely admitted that he was a citizen of India and had illegally entered the US.

Jasveer Singh also entered the US on March 21, 2017, near Otay Mesa in California. He was arrested by Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

Also read: US border patrol agents arrest 30 Indian nationals living illegally in America

Earlier, a 22-year-old India-origin student was arrested in the US on charges of arson and making a terroristic threat against family members, HT reported. The student named Lella was accused of attempting to set the home on fire several days before the arrest.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.