On Wednesday afternoon, October 20, around 1:30 pm, Indiana State Police Bloomington District A.C.E.S. Troopers Caleb Garvin and Ian Portteus were conducting a patrol along I-69 in Greene County as part of the HIDTA (High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Federal Project. This project is funded by the National Drug Council Policy. The mission of this patrol is to reduce drug availability in our communities through drug trafficking enforcement actions.

Trp. Garvin observed a 2014 Hyundai Sonata traveling southbound on I-69, near the 97-mile marker, at a high rate of speed. Trp. Garvin used a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) speed timing device to confirm the vehicle’s speed at 88mph in the posted 70mph zone. Trp. Garvin conducted a traffic stop.

While speaking with the 32-year-old driver, Kourtney L. Cohen of Indianapolis, Trp. Garvin observed indicators of criminal activity. In addition, the odor of marijuana could be detected coming from the vehicle. Trp. Portteus assisted with the traffic stop at this point.

Cohen was found to be operating the vehicle while having a license that was suspended with a prior conviction for driving while suspended. He also had approximately three grams of marijuana in his pocket, along with almost $1,500 in US currency. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, Trp. Garvin noticed the spare tire in the trunk was loose. Under the tire, he located just over 3 pounds of methamphetamine.

Kourtney Cohen was arrested and incarcerated in the Greene County Jail for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deal Over 10 Grams (Level 2 Felony), Possession of Methamphetamine Over 28 Grams (Level 3 Felony), Driving While Suspended with a Prior Conviction (A Misdemeanor), and Possession of Marijuana (B Misdemeanor).

Indiana State Police Bloomington District A.C.E.S. Sergeant Greg Day praised the work of Troopers Garvin and Portteus. Sgt. Day stated, “This is a perfect example of how no traffic stop is routine. The troopers could have just issued a traffic ticket and went on down the road, but because of their work ethic and attention to detail, they were able to detect there was much more going on. The positive impact that the removal of 3 pounds of methamphetamine out of our communities cannot be overstated. That is a huge amount, with a street value of over $35,000, which will not make it into the hands of those struggling with addiction.”