TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – According to Indiana State Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Matt Ames, drug arrests and traffic accidents were up in 2021.
Ames said the ISP Putnamville Post confiscated over $2 million worth of narcotics on roadways last year. This includes 133 pounds of marijuana and two pounds of methamphetamine.
“When we make a traffic stop we’re not only looking to enforce traffic laws, we’re looking for criminal indicators that are ongoing with the individuals that we are stopping,” Ames said.
The Putnamville Post added a new K-9 officer, Jett, last year. In just three weeks, Jett has contributed to two drug related arrests. Ames stated that an increase in K-9 usage will contribute keeping drugs off the streets.
Vehicular deaths due to missed road signs were also an issue in 2021. Ames said this is something that ISP plans to address moving forward.
“The Putnamville Indiana State Police Post is going to be picking up our traffic activity,” Ames said. “Making sure they’re not driving while distracted and making sure they’re not disregarding stop signs.”
