Henderson, KY – What began as a routine search for a wanted person turned into a significant drug bust when detectives discovered nearly seven pounds of marijuana, multiple firearms, and digital scales at an Evansville residence. Authorities say the evidence suggests an intent to distribute.
The Incident: Search for Fugitive Leads to Drug Discovery
On October 27, detectives from the Evansville Police Department (EPD) assisted the United States Marshals Service in locating a wanted man, Leonard Frye, at a home in the 1700 block of S. Elliott Street in Evansville.
According to the affidavit, when officers arrived, Bryce Wilbourn, a resident of the home, claimed that Frye was not present. Wilbourn agreed to cooperate and signed a Pirtle form, allowing officers to search the residence for the fugitive.
During the search, investigators quickly uncovered a large quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, leading to a major drug investigation instead of a fugitive arrest.
Investigation and Evidence: Nearly Seven Pounds of Marijuana Found
Detectives conducted a detailed search across multiple areas of the home, including the basement, garage, office, kitchen, and even a vehicle parked on the property.
Authorities documented the following items during the search:
- Basement:
- Five sealed bags of green plant material near the ceiling
- Plastic bag of green material in a backpack
- Plastic baggies on the floor
- Small bag containing marijuana on a table
- Large digital scale on a dryer
- Bag of shotgun shells near the ceiling
- 12-gauge double-barreled shotgun
- Garage:
- Plastic bag of green plant material on a table
- iPhone
- Office:
- AK-47 rifle with magazine and ammunition
- Loose and boxed ammo inside a desk
- Pistol magazines
- Kitchen:
- Small plastic bag of green leafy substance on the counter
- Two digital scales (one folding, one standard)
- Loose marijuana on a table
- Nissan vehicle:
- 9mm handgun with magazine and ammunition inside a purse
Officials reported that the total field weight of marijuana was approximately 6.82 pounds, and laboratory testing confirmed it contained THC, the active compound in cannabis.
Investigators said the amount of marijuana, combined with digital scales, firearms, and baggies, indicated an intent to distribute, not personal use.
Court Proceedings and Charges Filed
Following the discovery, Bryce Wilbourn was charged with Dealing Marijuana, a serious felony offense under Indiana law. Authorities said that although Wilbourn claimed he was unaware of the marijuana found in the garage, he admitted that he and another resident of the home occasionally smoked marijuana.
Detectives determined that the evidence was inconsistent with casual use, citing the sheer volume of the drugs and the presence of multiple weapons and scales typically associated with distribution operations.
Officials said Leonard Frye, the fugitive officers were initially searching for, was not located during the search.
Statements from Authorities
Police emphasized that the search was not initially drug-related but evolved into a major narcotics case after the evidence was discovered.
“The totality of evidence—including packaging, scales, and firearms—clearly suggests drug dealing activity,” investigators wrote in the affidavit.
Authorities said the firearms, including the AK-47 and 9mm handgun, have been seized as part of the ongoing investigation to determine whether they were connected to any other criminal activities.
Background and Legal Context
Under Indiana law, possession of more than 30 grams of marijuana can result in felony-level charges, and possession with intent to distribute carries enhanced penalties when weapons are involved.
Because of the volume of drugs and the recovered firearms, Wilbourn could face additional firearm possession enhancements if prosecutors determine the guns were used in connection with the drug operation.
This bust adds to a recent rise in drug trafficking investigations in the Evansville–Henderson area, where authorities have reported increased activity in marijuana and methamphetamine distribution networks.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Police confirmed that the seized evidence, including 6.82 pounds of marijuana, three firearms, and digital scales, will be submitted for forensic and laboratory analysis.
Wilbourn remains in custody pending his first court appearance, where prosecutors are expected to file formal charges for dealing marijuana and possibly possession of firearms during a drug offense.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional arrests will be made as part of the investigation into the broader distribution network.
Conclusion
What began as a search for a fugitive turned into one of the largest marijuana seizures in recent Evansville history, underscoring how law enforcement efforts can uncover multiple layers of criminal activity. Investigators say they remain committed to pursuing those involved in illegal drug distribution across state lines.
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