Truckers Arrested in Major Drug Bust on I-80

Late last week, Illinois State Police made a significant dent in the illicit drug trade during a routine truck inspection near the Iowa state line. According to officials, a trooper stationed on Interstate 80 in Henry County pulled over a Volvo semi-trailer for a standard vehicle check. What began as a typical inspection took a dramatic turn when the officer noticed several warning signs of possible criminal activity.

A subsequent search of the truck uncovered a staggering 1,146 pounds of cocaine—an amount estimated to carry a street value of more than $40 million. This represents one of the largest drug seizures in recent memory for the area and highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to intercept dangerous narcotics before they reach communities.

Two individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the haul. Authorities identified the suspects as 27-year-old Vanshpreet Singh and 36-year-old Manpreet Singh, both hailing from Ontario, Canada. Both face felony charges including possession of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver, and trafficking.

In an official statement, Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly emphasized the importance of such operations:

“ISP’s coordinated focus on trafficking is helping keep dangerous drugs out of our communities.”

As the investigation continues, both suspects remain in custody at the Henry County Jail, awaiting their initial court appearances. This case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in curbing drug trafficking, as well as the substantial impact that focused police work can have on community safety.