GREENFIELD, Ind. — On Feb. 18, An Indiana State Trooper seized more than 180 pounds of a substance believed to be cocaine from a tractor-trailer during a roadside inspection along Interstate 70 near Mount Comfort Road.
The trooper, who is certified to perform Federal Motor Carrier Inspections on commercial vehicles, was patrolling when the tractor-trailer caught his attention. The trooper pulled the truck over for inspection, and a review of the required paperwork and log book revealed a log book violation.
According to a statement released by the Indiana State Police (ISP), while interacting with the driver and co-driver, the trooper noticed “criminal indicators” and asked for consent to search the semi, which was granted.
During the search, the trooper discovered dozens of packages he suspected to be cocaine hidden inside boxes of onions and other produce; a field test later confirmed the trooper’s suspicion.
The driver of the semi and the passenger were both arrested and transported to the Hancock County Jail on probable cause of possession of cocaine.
The Hancock County Prosecutor’s office has reviewed the case and subsequently filed formal charges against both individuals in Hancock Superior Court.
Jose N. Perez, 66, and Miguel Rodriguez, 60, both of California, are facing charges of dealing cocaine and possession of cocaine.
The ISP were assisted by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office on this investigation and worked closely with the Hancock County Prosecutor for charges. The truck was towed to Johnson’s Towing in Greenfield to be offloaded for completion of the search, which yielded 184 pound of a controlled substance.
“I am grateful for the effort and cooperation of all involved that has provided us with the evidence to bring these charges,” said Hancock County Prosecutor Brent Eaton. “This is a great example of the type of alert police work and interagency cooperation that keeps our community among the nation’s safest.”
Born and raised in Little Rock, AR, Erica N. Guy decided to stay in her hometown to begin her professional career in journalism. Since obtaining her bachelor’s degree from UAPB, Erica has professionally written for several publications about several topics ranging from lifestyle, tech, culture, and entertainment, just to name a few. Continuing her love for her hometown, she joined our team in June 2023, where she is currently a staff writer. Her career goals include continuing storytelling through her writing by being the best professional writer she can be. In her spare time, Erica enjoys trying new foods, cozying up with a good book, spending time with family and friends, and establishing herself as a future businesswoman.
Sure it wasn’t 186#’s? Wuz duh sleeper berth checked… port-a-potty..
dirty laundry bag… i/s extra big housing around. the steering column??