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A routine stop at an Indiana truck stop turned into one of the largest cocaine seizures in state history, and it started with one observant driver doing a pre-trip inspection.
Back in June, Whiteland Police were called to the Pilot Travel Center along I-65 after a semi driver noticed something was not right with his trailer. The seal had been removed and replaced, but nothing appeared to be stolen. Instead, several Home Depot moving boxes had been added to the back of the trailer.
Officers opened the boxes and found dozens of vacuum-sealed black bricks. Testing later confirmed the boxes contained 159 kilograms of pure cocaine, roughly 350 pounds, with an estimated street value near $16 million.
According to police, the semi was believed to be headed toward Canada. Investigators do not think the driver was involved and believe the drugs may have been placed in the wrong trailer, an expensive mistake for whoever was responsible.
Whiteland Police say they could not find any record of a larger cocaine seizure in Indiana. The department also described the situation as a safety concern. The quantity was too large to store securely in their evidence room, and officers worried someone might attempt to recover it. The cocaine has since been transferred for testing at a DEA lab and will be destroyed.
Nearly six months later, no arrests have been made. Police say most investigative leads have been exhausted, though the seizure has provided federal agencies with useful intelligence about trafficking methods and routes. Indiana’s location as a major crossroads plays a role, with drugs moving through the state regularly by highway.
For RVers and travelers, the story is a reminder that truck stops and travel centers see far more activity than fuel and food. Law enforcement credits the outcome to a driver paying attention to details that could have been easy to miss.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Whiteland Police Department at 317-535-8100 or email tips@whitelandpd.us.
Practical Safety Tips for RVers Stopping at Truck Stops
Stories like this are rare, but they highlight how much activity moves through major travel centers every day. Most truck stops are safe, well-lit, and busy, yet a little awareness goes a long way.
Stick to well-lit areas, if possible, especially if stopping overnight or late in the evening.
Keep valuables out of sight and lock doors and storage bays, even during short stops. Opportunistic theft tends to happen when people assume they will only be away for a few minutes.
Before hitting the road, take a quick walk around your RV. Look for signs of tampering, open compartments, or anything that does not belong. That habit is what helped uncover this case.
If something seems off, let staff or local authorities know.
Truck stops remain a convenient and popular option for RV travelers. Staying observant and trusting your instincts can help keep stops routine and uneventful.
Source: Fox59 News
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