Valparaiso Man Faces Multiple Drug Charges Following USPS Investigation
VALPARAISO — A Valparaiso man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after federal and local investigators executed a controlled delivery of a drug-laden package to his residence earlier this month.
According to court documents, a U.S. Postal Inspector began investigating a suspicious USPS Priority Mail package mailed from Eugene, Oregon and addressed to Andrew Gaulke at his Valparaiso home. The package, which had several characteristics common to narcotics shipments—including a strong chemical odor and mismatched sender information—was intercepted on July 30, 2025.
A K-9 unit conducted a sniff of the package and indicated the presence of narcotics. Authorities obtained a federal warrant and opened the parcel, discovering 8 grams of cocaine and 4 grams of ketamine.
On August 4, 2025, authorities conducted a controlled delivery of the package. Investigators surveilled the home and observed Gaulke and a woman believed to be his wife at the property. Officers executed a federal anticipatory search warrant at the residence and took Gaulke into custody.
During the search of the home, authorities reportedly discovered:
• 129.5 grams of THC-infused candy
• 72 grams of marijuana
• 3 grams of methylphenidate tablets
• 5 grams of MDA
• 3.5 grams of diazepam
• 4 grams of MDMA
• 4 grams of suspected LSD
• 106 grams of mushroom-laced candy
• 8.5 grams of methylphenidate
• 8.5 grams of ketamine
• 172.5 grams of marijuana in a vacuum-sealed bag
• 1.5 grams of a yellow powder
• 34 grams of mushroom gummies
Authorities also recovered suspected methamphetamine from Gaulke’s person during arrest.
During an interview, Gaulke reportedly admitted to ordering narcotics through an online forum and having the packages shipped to his residence via U.S. Mail. He stated that he had ordered various drugs since January 2025 and claimed all illicit narcotics found in the home belonged to him. He also claimed his wife was unaware of the shipments.
Investigators confirmed Gaulke has a prior conviction for Possession of a Narcotic Drug in Porter County in 2017.
Charges filed August 6, 2025:
• Level 4 Felony: Possession of Narcotic Drug
• Level 5 Felony: Attempted Possession of Cocaine
• Level 6 Felony: Possession of Methamphetamine
• Level 6 Felony: Possession of Narcotic Drug
• Level 6 Felony: Possession of Marijuana
• Class A Misdemeanor: Possession of Controlled Substance
• Class A Misdemeanor: Possession of Controlled Substance
• Class A Misdemeanor: Attempted Possession of Controlled Substance
Currently lodged in the Porter County Jail
