Jasper County- On February 9, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., an Indiana State Police Criminal Interdiction Unit started a narcotics investigation after a traffic stop. During the initial stop, criminal indicators were observed leading the trooper to believe the driver was going to an airport to pick up illegal contraband. The driver and vehicle were then released at the scene during this stop.
At approximately 6:15 p.m. on the same day, the trooper observed the same vehicle traveling on southbound I-65 at the 225 mile-marker following too closely to another car. A traffic stop was conducted for that specific traffic violation. The vehicle was occupied by the original driver Kipterrez James of Cincinnati and a female passenger Kyasia Walker of Cincinnati. During this traffic stop, criminal indicators were also observed resulting in a narcotics K9 being requested to respond to the scene. After a positive alert to the odor of a narcotic, troopers searched the vehicle and located 16.4 kilos (36.15 Pounds) of cocaine in suitcases. Both suspects were arrested and transported to the Jasper County jail.
At the outset of his Administration, Governor Braun emphasized the importance of combatting crime and making our communities safe. Drug Interdiction was of major importance when taking office and continues into 2026 for Governor Braun. One way to combat illicit drugs coming into the Hoosier State is by the expanding the Indiana State Police Interdiction Unit. Indiana State Police have a full-time interdiction detail that operates from the Drug Enforcement Section (DES). Its primary focus is to conduct criminal interdiction efforts on the main arteries of Indiana to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs and other contraband from reaching our communities. Their mission is to prevent crime before it reaches our neighborhoods, safeguarding lives and property across the state.
All suspects are presumed to be innocent until/unless proven guilty in court.
