December 2nd, DIP NEWS

Geneseo, IL – In a significant blow to drug trafficking operations, the Illinois State Police (ISP) Blackhawk Area Task Force (BATF) has successfully intercepted a massive shipment of cocaine at the Illinois-Iowa state border. The operation led to the arrest of two Canadian nationals and the seizure of 1,146 pounds (approximately 540 kilograms) of cocaine.

On November 29, 2024, at around 2:10 p.m., an ISP trooper conducted a routine commercial motor vehicle inspection on a Volvo truck-tractor semi-trailer combination traveling eastbound on Interstate 80 in Henry County. During the inspection, the trooper noticed several indicators of criminal activity, prompting a thorough search of the vehicle.

The search revealed a substantial quantity of suspected cocaine, leading to the immediate arrest of the vehicle’s occupants, 27-year-old Vanshpreet Singh and 36-year-old Manpreet Singh, both from Ontario, Canada. The two men face multiple charges, including Possession of Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine, and Cocaine Trafficking, all classified as Class X felonies.

The suspects were transported to the Henry County Jail, where they await a pre-trial release hearing. The ISP has not released further details at this time.

This seizure marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region, highlighting the vigilance and dedication of the Illinois State Police in keeping the community safe.