INDIANAPOLIS -- As drug overdoses continue to rise, law enforcement leaders in Indianapolis have made a goal to get more drugs off the street.
That effort has translated to the removal of more than 100 pounds of narcotics and 15 arrests since July 2016 alone.
The Indianapolis Drug Enforcement Agency, in partnership with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Indiana State Police and others, arrested 25-year-old Julio Rosas and recovered 10 pounds of methamphetamine Friday. The arrest and seizure followed two days of surveillance of his residence near E. 38th Street and N. Mitthoeffer Road and a restaurant near E. 21st Street and I-70 where Rosas allegedly picked up the drugs.
With the recovery of this large amount of methamphetamine that carried a street value of more than $160,000, the DEA says they've recovered the following in just the past three months:
- 31 pounds of meth
- 4 pounds of fentanyl
- 45 pounds of marijuana
- 26 kilograms of cocaine
- 8 firearms
"As drug overdoses continue to rise, the DEA is fully committed to saving lives through investigations targeting organizations or individuals who contribute to the destruction and violence of our communities by trafficking illegal drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, prescription drugs, and methamphetamine," said Greg Westfall, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge.
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United State Attorney Josh J. Minkler said Rosas ran when officers tried to arrest him, but was quickly caught and taken into custody.
“Marion County has experienced a great deal of violence recently fueled by drug trafficking,” said Minkler. “Those who peddle drugs in our neighborhoods will face the hammer of federal prosecution.”
IMPD Chief Troy Riggs said this latest arrest and the progress made in combating drug-fueled violence is the result of partnerships at the federal and local levels.
“Since the start of 2016, a goal of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has been to increase collaboration with our federal law enforcement partners,” said Chief Riggs. “This weekend’s joint narcotics operation with the DEA shows how effective these partnerships are in targeting high-level narcotics traffickers in our communities.”
Rosas was charged with conspiracy with intent to distribute over 500 grams of meth and attempted possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of meth.
Federal prosecutors say Rosas could face up to life in prison if convicted.
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