Two truckers are facing serious charges after Indiana State Police (ISP) found a large quantity of cocaine hidden in their cargo during a routine stop for a log book violation on February 18th in Greenfield, Indiana.
The details: An eagle-eyed trooper, certified in Federal Motor Carrier Inspections, stopped a semi truck on I-70. Discrepancies in log book entries led to a broader search of the vehicle.
- Upon inspection, the trooper discovered 184 pounds of cocaine among boxes of onions.
- California-based drivers Jose N. Perez, 66, and Miguel Rodriguez, 61, were arrested and charged with felony counts of Dealing in Cocaine and Possession of Cocaine.
The response: Working with the Hancock County Sheriff's Office, ISP officials thanked the cooperative efforts leading to the arrests.
"This is a great example of alert police work and interagency cooperation that keeps our community among the nation’s safest," proclaimed Hancock County Prosecutor Brent Eaton, according to Indiana State Police.
Legal proceedings: Both defendants face serious penalties given the quantity of drugs and the charges placed against them.
- The accused are currently held in Hancock County Jail pending court proceedings. Since an arrest has been made, further inquiries are directed to the Hancock County Prosecutor's Office.
- All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Next steps: The semi truck was towed to Johnson's Towing for a comprehensive search as part of the ongoing investigation.