Jasper County, Indiana – Indiana State Police troopers seized more than 16 kilograms of cocaine during a traffic stop Monday evening on Interstate 65 in Jasper County, leading to two arrests.
According to Indiana State Police, members of the Criminal Interdiction Unit began a narcotics investigation at approximately 10 a.m. Feb. 9 after conducting a traffic stop. During that initial encounter, troopers observed criminal indicators suggesting the driver was traveling to an airport to pick up illegal contraband. The driver and vehicle were released at the scene at that time.
Later that day, at approximately 6:15 p.m., troopers observed the same vehicle traveling southbound on I-65 near the 225 mile marker and following another vehicle too closely. A second traffic stop was initiated for the traffic violation.
Police said the vehicle was driven by Kipterrez James, of Cincinnati, Ohio, with Kyasia Walker, also of Cincinnati, as a passenger. During the stop, troopers again observed criminal indicators and requested a narcotics K-9 to respond to the scene.
After a positive alert from the K-9, troopers searched the vehicle and located approximately 16.4 kilograms, or 36.15 pounds, of cocaine concealed inside suitcases, police said.
Both suspects were arrested and transported to the Jasper County Jail. Information regarding formal charges was not immediately released.
Indiana State Police said the seizure highlights the ongoing efforts of the Interdiction Unit, which operates under the Drug Enforcement Section and focuses on disrupting the flow of illegal drugs into Indiana communities. Officials emphasized that the unit targets major travel corridors, including interstates commonly used for drug trafficking.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
For commuters and long-haul drivers, I-65 remains a primary focus of interdiction efforts due to its role as a major north-south transportation route through Indiana.
