Lake County, IN – 10 people have been arrested following a drug bust at a home in Merrillville, Indiana, after a lengthy investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Drug Task Force – Regional Enforcement Team. The raid, which took place on Wednesday, targeted a house that had been a long-time source of illegal drug trafficking.
The Raid: A Long-Standing Problem in Merrillville
Authorities executed a narcotics search warrant at a residence in the 7800 block of Hendricks Street. The house had been the subject of repeated police attention over the years, with officials noting that it had received approximately 170 police calls for service over the past 15 years.
The operation was focused on a property long suspected of being involved in drug trafficking, where both locals and individuals from surrounding areas were believed to be purchasing and using illegal substances.
Evidence Seized: Drugs and Cash
During the search, law enforcement officers, supported by SWAT units, seized a large quantity of illegal drugs and cash:
- $3,790 in cash
- 54 grams of methamphetamine
- 10 grams of cocaine
- 12 grams of fentanyl
- 13 grams of psychedelic mushrooms
These findings underscore the significant scale of the operation taking place at the residence, with illegal narcotics being distributed across Lake County and surrounding regions.
Arrests Made: Key Individuals Charged
The focus of the operation was on Trish Rose, 50, who resides at the home, and Shawn Fullgraf, 49, of Cedar Lake. Both were arrested on multiple charges, including dealing methamphetamine and cocaine. The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that these two individuals were central to the illegal activities at the residence.
Additionally, Ryan Rose, 21, the son of Trish Rose, was also arrested. The sheriff’s office revealed that Ryan Rose has a criminal history, being a convicted felon with a prior murder conviction. He now faces new drug-related charges stemming from this bust.
Ongoing Investigation: More Arrests Expected
Details regarding the other eight arrests made during the operation have not been fully released at this time, but authorities have confirmed that additional individuals involved in the operation are being questioned. Investigators are continuing to gather information to determine the full extent of the trafficking network tied to the residence.
Sheriff’s officials also stated that this bust was part of a broader initiative aimed at curbing drug trafficking in the area, especially in neighborhoods that have seen a spike in criminal activity related to illegal substances.
Conclusion
The drug bust in Merrillville represents another step in the ongoing battle against illegal drug distribution in Lake County. With multiple arrests made and substantial quantities of drugs and cash seized, the raid has disrupted a long-standing hub of illicit activity in the region. As law enforcement continues to investigate, authorities are hopeful that further arrests will follow, leading to more arrests and potentially dismantling a significant drug operation in the area.
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