Two Indians Arrested in the US for Massive Cocaine Smuggling Operation

In a significant drug trafficking case, two Indian nationals have been arrested in Indiana for smuggling over 300 pounds of cocaine. Gurpreet Singh and Jasveer Singh, who entered the US illegally, were apprehended by federal authorities. The Department of Homeland Security has raised concerns about the implications of sanctuary policies that allowed these individuals to obtain commercial driver's licenses. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing illegal immigration and drug trafficking in the United States. Read on to learn more about the details of their arrests and the broader implications.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 9, 2026, 10:58 IST

Major Drug Bust in Indiana

New York: Federal authorities have apprehended two Indian nationals residing unlawfully in the United States for their involvement in smuggling over 300 pounds of cocaine concealed within a semi-truck.

On January 4, Gurpreet Singh, aged 25, and Jasveer Singh, aged 30, were taken into custody by local law enforcement in Putnam County, Indiana, on charges related to narcotics trafficking.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced this week that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has filed arrest detainers against both individuals.

According to the agency, the men, who entered the US without authorization, were caught transporting a significant quantity of cocaine in Indiana.

Both Gurpreet and Jasveer were issued commercial driver's licenses by California.

The DHS highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that just 1.2 grams of cocaine can be lethal, potentially endangering over 113,000 lives in America.

Gurpreet Singh entered the US illegally on March 11, 2023, near Lukeville, Arizona, and was subsequently released into the country under the Biden administration's policies.

He openly acknowledged his illegal status to law enforcement, confirming his Indian citizenship.

Jasveer Singh, on the other hand, crossed into the US unlawfully on March 21, 2017, near Otay Mesa, California, and was previously arrested on December 5 for possession of stolen property in San Bernardino.

Despite ICE's request for an arrest detainer, he was released, prompting criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom's policies.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, "Due to Newsom's lenient policies, these two criminal illegal aliens were able to obtain commercial driver's licenses and were later arrested for trafficking a staggering 300 pounds of cocaine in a semi-truck."

She further criticized sanctuary policies for jeopardizing American lives, emphasizing the need for ICE to ensure that such drug traffickers do not return to communities.