Indianapolis, In. — Multiple law enforcement agencies are investigating a major drug operation uncovered in central Indiana following the recovery of over 50 pounds of methamphetamine in Indianapolis earlier this week.
The discovery led Indiana State Police to Columbus and two arrests after narcotics investigators located additional drugs inside a home near Taylorsville.
Detectives learned that the methamphetamine recovered in Indianapolis, which had a street value of nearly $1,000,000.00 was being prepared for delivery to Columbus and Bartholomew County.
On Tuesday afternoon, officers from the Columbus Police Department and Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department assisted JNET detectives at a residence in the 9900 block of Daniel Drive East. Officers recovered methamphetamine and cocaine and arrested two people who were at the home.
Laura Edith Rodriguez-de La Paz, 41, of Columbus was arrested for dealing in methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a common nuisance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Joana G. Ramirez Castro, 33, of Columbus was arrested for visiting a common nuisance.
The Indiana State Police, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), US Department of Homeland Security, US Postal Service, Bartholomew County Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team, Columbus Police Department Intelligence Led Policing Unit, Bartholomew County Sherrif’s Department participated in the investigation.
