Cedar Lake Man Charged in Large-Scale Fentanyl, Meth Bust in Porter County
Bradley Woodward, 41, of Cedar Lake has been charged with multiple felonies after an undercover investigation led to the seizure of drugs, firearms, and trafficking equipment from a residence in Portage.
On May 15, 2025, Porter County Drug Task Force officers executed a search warrant at a home where Woodward had been staying. The operation was based on information from a police source, who arranged a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Woodward. Detectives monitored the transaction and later searched the property.
During the operation, officers recovered:
• 23.2 grams of fentanyl (brown powder)
• 61.6 grams of methamphetamine (crystal substance)
• 5.6 grams of unidentified white powder
• 0.98 grams of methamphetamine
• Bersa .380 ACP pistol
• Springfield rifle
• $330 in cash
• Nutribullet blender used to mix fentanyl, heroin, and crushed Advil
• Hypodermic syringe
Woodward allegedly admitted to traveling out of state to purchase narcotics, returning with fentanyl and heroin, then mixing and selling the drugs from the Portage residence. Despite a prior burglary conviction, he was found in possession of two firearms.
Charges filed include:
• Dealing in a Narcotic Drug (Fentanyl) – Level 3 Felony
• Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 3 Felony
• Possession of Fentanyl – Level 4 Felony
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon – Level 4 Felony
• Possession of a Hypodermic Needle – Level 6 Felony
• Invasion of Privacy (violation of a no-contact order) – Class A MisdemeanorWoodward is currently being held in custody. Authorities say the investigation is part of an ongoing effort to combat drug distribution in the area.
