GREENE CO. – On Wednesday around 1:30 p.m., Indiana State Police Bloomington District A.C.E.S. troopers 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 communities through drug trafficking enforcement actions.
A trooper observed a 2014 Hyundai Sonata traveling south on I-69, near the 97-mile marker, at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was clocked traveling at 88 miles per hour in the posted 70mph zone. The trooper stopped the vehicle.
While speaking with the 32-year-old driver, Kourtney L. Cohen, of Indianapolis, the trooper observed indicators of criminal activity. In addition, the odor of marijuana could be detected coming from the vehicle. A second trooper was called to the scene to assist.
Cohen was found to be operating the vehicle while having a license that was suspended with a prior conviction. He also had approximately three grams of marijuana in his pocket, along with almost $1,500 in currency. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, a trooper noticed the spare tire in the trunk was loose. Under the tire, he located just more than 3 pounds of meth.
Cohen was arrested and incarcerated in the Greene County Jail charges of possession of more than 10 grams of meth with the intent to deal, driving driver’s license suspended with a prior conviction, and possession of marijuana.
Indiana State Police Bloomington District A.C.E.S. Sergeant Greg Day praised the work of Troopers Caleb Garvin and Ian Portteus.
“This is a perfect example of how no traffic stop is routine,’ said Sgt. Day. “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 more than $35,000, which will not make it into the hands of those struggling with addiction.”
