Co-drivers arrested after log book violation leads troopers to 184 pounds of cocaine in an onion load

The Indiana State Police (ISP) arrested two truck drivers after discovering a 184 pounds of cocaine in an onion load during a roadside inspection.

California-based co-drivers Jose N. Perez, 66, and Miguel Rodriguez, 61, were both charged with felony counts of Dealing in Cocaine and Possession of Cocaine.

The charges were issued following a traffic stop that occurred at 1:19 p.m. on February 18, 2024, in the Greenfield, Indiana, area.

ISP says that trooper was on patrol when a semi truck traveling east on I-70 “caught his attention.”

The trooper pulled over the truck for a roadside inspection.

The trooper found a log book violation during the inspection.

“While interacting with the driver and co-driver, the trooper noticed criminal indicators that, based upon his training and experience, led him to ask for consent to search the semi, which the driver agreed to,” ISP said.

The trooper searched the truck’s load of onions and found 184 pounds of cocaine hidden among the produce boxes.

Both Perez and Rodriguez were arrested and booked into the Hancock County Jail.

Hancock County Prosecutor Brent Eaton said. “I am grateful for the effort and cooperation of all involved that has provided us with the evidence to bring these charges. This is a great example of the type of alert police work and interagency cooperation that keeps our community among the nation’s safest.”