Traffic stop on I-70 leads to discovery of six pounds of heroin
CLOVERDALE -- At approximately 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, an Indiana State Police trooper stopped an eastbound gold Chevrolet Equinox on Interstate 70 near the 41-mile marker for a traffic violation of following too closely.
Stopped near the Cloverdale/U.S. 231 exit of I-70 in Putnam County, the driver was identified as Joshua Gomez, 21, San Diego, Calif. During a conversation with Gomez, the trooper reportedly observed criminal indicators.
The Putnam County Sheriff's Office was requested for assistance with a canine. Upon the unit's arrival and during the traffic stop, the canine reportedly gave an alert to the officers as an indication of an illegal substance.
A subsequent search of the vehicle discovered that Gomez was transporting approximately 6.2 pounds of heroin concealed in the vehicle.
The estimated street value of the heroin is $225,000 and was being transported from California to Ohio.
Joshua Gomez was transported to the Putnam County Jail and held on preliminary charges of dealing in heroin, a Level 2 felony, and possession of heroin, a Level 3 felony.