DEA provides updates on recent drug roundup

DEA provides updates on recent drug roundup
Published: Dec. 3, 2021 at 6:23 AM CST
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EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - DEA officials held a news conference Friday.

Watch the full briefing in the video below:

Newscast Recording

They spoke more about that big drug bust we told you about Tuesday.

[DEA: Federal & local authorities serve warrants around Evansville]

Officials say a federal grand jury in Evansville returned indictments charging 30 men and women with several federal crimes, including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, illegal possession of a firearm, and robbery.

According to court documents, Julian Green, 38, of Indianapolis, was the leader of a drug trafficking organization based out of Indianapolis that distributed large quantities of methamphetamine around central and southern Indiana.

Officials say Green supplied Jeramey Smith, 32, of Indianapolis, and others, with methamphetamine. They say Smith, in turn, coordinated with Nicholas Cabrera, 35, of Mulberry, Florida, and Joshua Wilson, 30, of Evansville – both of whom were federal prisoners at the time – to orchestrate the delivery and distribution of methamphetamine to Indianapolis through a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization.

After the methamphetamine was delivered to Indianapolis, authorities say Smith and Hannah Kissel, 38, of Indianapolis, distributed the methamphetamine to others, mainly in the Evansville area, who then sold the methamphetamine at several locations in southern Indiana and western Kentucky.

The indictments allege that many members of the drug trafficking ring were already-convicted felons who illegally possessed and used firearms and ammunition.

Officials say Smith directed Dominique Baquet, 28, of Indianapolis, to rob one of the other suspects at gunpoint for drug proceeds.

During the course of this investigation, investigators say they seized over 46 pounds of methamphetamine, over 700 grams of fentanyl, 30 firearms, over $300,000 in cash, six vehicles, and a pill press.

“Methamphetamine and fentanyl are a source of some of the violence and social devastation that are plaguing our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “Federal law enforcement, along with our state and local law enforcement partners, are committed to eliminating the organizations that are supplying these illegal drugs and holding those individuals accountable.”

“This drug trafficking organization is charged with making a living peddling poison, including potentially deadly fentanyl, into our communities,” said Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of DEA Indianapolis District Office. “They were responsible for distributing multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl in various cities throughout Indiana and western Kentucky, including Indianapolis, Evansville, Princeton, and Owensboro. This case reflects our commitment to improving public safety for the fine citizens of Indiana and Kentucky.”

The following people have been charged and arrested:

People charged in large DEA roundup
People charged in large DEA roundup(United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of Indiana)

The defendants face the following possible penalties:

  • If convicted of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine or conspiring to distribute fentanyl:
  • 10 years to life in prison;
  • Up to $10,000,000 fine;
  • At least 5 years’ supervised release.
  • If convicted of robbery:
  • Maximum 20 years in prison;
  • Up to $250,000 fine;
  • Not more than 3 years’ supervised release.
  • If convicted of illegally possessing a firearm or ammunition:
  • Maximum 10 years in prison;
  • Up to $250,000 fine;
  • At least 3 years’ supervised release.

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