In a significant narcotics bust, United States immigration authorities have apprehended two Indian nationals residing illegally in the country. The arrests followed the discovery of a massive haul of over 300 pounds of cocaine hidden in their truck during a routine inspection in Indiana.
Massive Drug Haul During Routine Check
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took Gurpreet Singh, 25, and Jasveer Singh, 30, into custody after local law enforcement in Putnam County, Indiana, conducted a standard truck inspection. The search revealed 309 pounds of cocaine concealed within the sleeper berth of the semi-truck the duo was operating.
Authorities emphasized the sheer scale of the seizure. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the confiscated narcotics contained enough potency to potentially cause over 113,000 lethal overdoses.
California Licences and Sanctuary Policy Critique
A striking aspect of the case is that both men, despite their undocumented status, were reportedly in possession of commercial driver's licences issued by the state of California. This detail prompted sharp criticism from federal officials targeting California's policies.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin blamed what she called "reckless policies" under Governor Gavin Newsom for enabling the individuals to obtain the licences. "Sanctuary policies put American lives at risk," McLaughlin asserted in a statement.
The DHS also highlighted a prior incident involving Jasveer Singh. He was arrested on December 5, 2025, in San Bernardino, California, for receiving stolen property. Although ICE filed a detainer request then, officials claim California's sanctuary laws led to his release back into the community instead of being transferred to federal custody.
History of Illegal Entry and Ongoing Case
Investigations into the backgrounds of the two accused revealed a pattern of illegal entry into the United States.
- Gurpreet Singh illegally entered the US near Lukeville, Arizona, on March 11, 2023. He was later released under existing policies and has admitted to being an Indian citizen living in the US illegally.
- Jasveer Singh entered the country illegally in March 2017.
Following the drug bust, ICE lodged new detainers on January 4, 2026, as both men now face serious federal narcotics trafficking charges. The investigation remains active, with federal authorities working alongside Indiana law enforcement.
The case has intensified the ongoing political debate in the US over immigration enforcement, sanctuary city policies, and border security.
