Lake County Sheriffs Drug Task Force Execute Warrant
On Tuesday, March 3, 2020, officers with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at an apartment complex in the 1100 block of Connecticut St. in Gary. Officers seized suspected drugs including cocaine, heroin and marijuana. They also confiscated drug paraphernalia including syringes.
Six individuals were arrested and face possible charges of trespassing, visiting a common nuisance, and residential entry. At least one subject may also face charges for possession of narcotics.
Commander Alfred Villarreal of the LCDTF advised the unit received numerous tips from the public and that officers conducted countless hours of surveillance and traffic stops in that area over the past month. The traffic stops led to the arrest of additional suspects.
“This apartment building was used as a one-stop shop for drug sales and use,” said Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr., “Officers collected syringes and evidence leading them to believe people injected drugs at the location.”
“These types of drugs are killing our loved ones in Lake County,” Sheriff Martinez said. “When our department receives tips from the public or citizen complaints, we take them seriously. Our investigators look into each situation and gather information that can be used to obtain search warrants.”
“It is my hope that the individuals who were arrested will qualify and volunteer for our Vivitrol program, which I started, to try to help Lake County Jail inmates who are addicted and suffering withdrawal symptoms,” Sheriff Martinez said. “Our goal is not just to arrest people addicted to drugs like narcotics and opioids, but also to assist them along their path to sobriety and reentry into the community,” the sheriff said.
“I would like to thank the Lake County Drug Task Force and Lake County Sheriff’s Department SWAT Team for their hard work,” Sheriff Martinez said. “I also extend a special thanks to the Indiana State Police for their assistance during today’s operation,” the sheriff said.
Thank you to the community for being proactive about reporting to get these drugs off the streets. May the people who have been effected by drugs find a way thru this drug crisis to find a better way of life. Never be afraid to speak up . The drugs and crime cannot win over our communities. Thank you to the men and women that serve to protect and uphold our laws. We are not free unless we help the law enforcement clean up our communities. THank you! Thank you! Thank you!