Lake County

EAST CHICAGO — A 32-year-old East Chicago man was arrested Wednesday after investigators allegedly discovered cocaine, marijuana, prescription narcotics, firearms, and thousands of dollars in cash during the execution of a search warrant.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Drug Task Force – Regional Enforcement Team, assisted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department SWAT Team, served a narcotics search warrant at a residence in the 600 block of West 143rd Street on July 15.

According to Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr., investigators seized a significant quantity of suspected illegal drugs and other evidence from the home, including:

  • 104.8 grams of cocaine
  • 23.6 grams of marijuana
  • 8.8 grams of marijuana edibles
  • 34 hydrocodone pills
  • Two oxycodone pills
  • Three gabapentin pills
  • An AK Draco 7.62x39mm rifle
  • A Glock 26 9mm handgun
  • A Glock 30 .45 ACP handgun
  • $6,160 in U.S. currency

Juan Martinez, 32, was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Lake County Jail. He is facing multiple preliminary charges, including dealing controlled substances.

Charges filed July 16, 2026:

  • Dealing in Cocaine (>10 grams) — Level 2 Felony
  • Dealing in Cocaine (Possession With Intent, >10 grams) — Level 2 Felony
  • Dealing in Cocaine (5–10 grams) — Level 3 Felony
  • Possession of a Narcotic Drug (<5 grams, Enhancing Circumstance) — Level 5 Felony (2 counts)
  • Possession of a Narcotic Drug (<5 grams) — Level 6 Felony (2 counts)
  • Unlawful Possession or Use of a Legend Drug — Level 6 Felony
  • Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Controlled Substances — Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of Marijuana — Class B Misdemeanor

Sheriff Martinez praised the officers involved in the investigation.

“I extend my sincere thanks to all of the police officers involved in this investigation. Their commitment to removing dangerous drugs from our communities helps keep our Lake County neighborhoods safe,” Martinez said.

The investigation remains ongoing. As with all criminal cases, the charges are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.