Trooper finds estimated $400,000 in illegal drugs during traffic stop
Two men were booked in the Putnam County Jail Monday afternoon on drug charges relating to an estimated $400,000 worth of illicit substances found in the cab of their tractor-trailer.
At around 1:45 p.m. Monday, an Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement trooper stopped a tractor-trailer combination on eastbound Interstate 70 near the 41-mile marker for a routine compliance inspection.
The tractor-trailer loaded with seafood was en route from California to New York.
During conversations with the occupants, the trooper developed probable cause for a vehicle search and requested additional ISP CVED troopers.
During a search of the cab, troopers found 609 marijuana edibles, 1,497 marijuana smoking devices, 456 ounces of marijuana syrup, seven pounds of marijuana plant, 400 controlled substance pills and 20 Fentanyl transdermal patches inside suitcases within the cab area.
The New York street value is estimated at $400,000.
The driver was identified as 24-year-old Christian Calmus of Phoenix.
The passenger was identified as 34-year-old Sergo Guyumjian of Flushing, N.Y.
Both men were incarcerated in the Putnam County Jail on felony charges of dealing marijuana over 10 pounds and possession of narcotic drugs.
When the men were booked in the jail, different addresses were given than those on their driver’s licenses, with Calmus saying he was from Tujunga, Calif., and Guyumjian’s residence listed as Santa Clarita, Calif.
Both men were held on $10,000 bond, with Calmus released after posting that amount at around 2 a.m. Tuesday.