Grand Rapids, MICH. (Diya TV) — Authorities in Michigan found a large shipment of cocaine inside a semi-truck during a traffic stop, said local law enforcement. Deputies with the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office seized about 120 pounds of cocaine after they stopped the truck on U.S. Highway 131 in Martin Township, just south of Grand Rapids, early this week.
Officials said the truck was pulled over during a routine commercial vehicle inspection when deputies became suspicious of the driver’s behavior. The investigation then prompted an examination of the vehicle, where illegal drugs were found hidden in the trailer of the truck. Authorities estimate the street value of the cocaine to exceed $4 million.
Allegan County Sheriff Frank Baker congratulated all the officers involved and pointed out that such a significant seizure would break the racket of trafficking in the region. “This is a significant blow to drug distribution networks. The amount of cocaine we recovered is staggering, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to keep dangerous substances out of our communities,” Baker said in a statement.
The driver, Sukhraj Singh of Canada, was arrested and awaits multiple charges associated with narcotics. Federal agencies including the DEA are now part of the investigation. They’re now working to find where these drugs came from and if they’re indeed connected with a larger trafficking ring.
The case is one of the greatest drug seizures in Michigan in recent times, according to the sheriff’s office. Allegan County has witnessed an increase in incidents associated with drug use, and officials say it is a sign that there is a growing need for vigilance, especially on major highways, as most traffickers transport huge amounts of narcotics on these routes. Recently, the sheriff’s office stepped up the monitoring of commercial vehicles using the training and technology designed to detect hidden drugs.
Sheriff Baker further said that cooperation with other state and federal partners is essential to address the general issue of drug trafficking. “The coordination between the local deputies and federal agents is crucial in making such an arrest and stopping dangerous drugs from reaching our streets,” he added.
The discovery occurs in the wake of broader efforts from law enforcement agencies across the country to stem the flow of illegal drugs. Federal and local authorities emphasized the need for continued diligence as drug trafficking organizations use increasingly sophisticated methods to evade detection.
During the course of this ongoing investigation, the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office and its partners will continue their proactive efforts to prevent other shipments of illicit drugs and protect the safety of the public.
