Two Indian-origin Canadian nationals were arrested after Illinois State Police seized over $40 million worth of cocaine from a semi-trailer truck near the Iowa state line on Friday.
The arrested individuals, identified as 27-year-old Vanshpreet Singh and 36-year-old Manpreet Singh, both residents of Ontario, Canada, face multiple felony charges. These include possession of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver cocaine, and cocaine trafficking.
The arrests followed a vehicle inspection conducted by a state trooper in Henry County.
Police said the inspection of the Volvo semi-trailer uncovered “numerous indicators of criminal activity.” A subsequent search revealed 1,146 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated street value exceeding $40 million.
“ISP’s coordinated focus on trafficking is helping keep dangerous drugs out of our communities,” Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said in a statement.
Both Vanshpreet and Manpreet are being held at the Henry County Jail and are awaiting their first court appearance.
