Porter County, IN – A state trooper’s snowstorm traffic stop Monday led to the discovery of approximately 11 pounds of suspected cocaine after a driver was allegedly caught speeding through icy construction-zone conditions on S.R. 49.
According to Indiana State Police, the trooper spotted a gray Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling at a high rate of speed during heavy snow and ice. The trooper attempted a stop, but the driver allegedly continued for a short distance before pulling over on the ramp to U.S. 30. The driver, identified as Daniel Aguilar Ramirez, 35, of Knox, IN, presented a California license to officers.
During the stop, police said Ramirez allegedly gave inconsistent statements regarding his route and destination. A certified K-9 conducted a free-air sniff and alerted troopers to the possible presence of narcotics. A search of the vehicle uncovered an Amazon box containing four vacuum-sealed, brick-shaped packages commonly associated with drug trafficking, police said. A field test reportedly showed a positive result for cocaine.
According to authorities, Ramirez was taken into custody and transported to the Porter County Jail. Police said he is being held on an immigration detainer for ICE after it was determined he is allegedly in the country illegally. He also faces a local charge of Dealing Cocaine, a Level 2 felony.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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