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64 arrests in huge northern Indiana drug sweep

Posted at 1:49 PM, Jun 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-26 14:08:25-04

(PERU, In.) -- 64 arrests were made in a massive three-day drug sweep by several law enforcement agencies.

What became known as Operation Blue Thunder took place between June 22-24.  It involved Indiana State Police, the Miami County Sheriff’s Department, the Logansport Police Department, the Peru Police Department, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, the Wabash County Sheriff’s Department, and the Rochester Police Department.

The goal, Indiana State Police said, was to catch people who transport and distribute illegal drugs on U.S. 31. It was chosen because police say the highway is frequently used by drug traffickers.

The 64 people arrested face a total of 134 drug-related charges, including 18 felonies.  Officers found cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamine, marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, edible marijuana food, and prescription medication. They also located drug paraphernalia. 

“As the summer kicks off, we want to send a message that Indiana roads are closed to those who transport illegal drugs,” stated Indiana State Police Sergeant Daniel Prus, who organized and oversaw the patrols. “Indiana police officers will utilize all of the resources at their disposal to catch and arrest the few who transport illegal drugs.”

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Operation Blue Thunder took place just days after Indianapolis Metropolitan Police carried out a huge sweep they called Operation First Step. 26 people were arrested in that operation on June 18.

If you know about illegal drug activity, you can report it anonymously by calling the Indiana State Police Drug and Gang Hotline at 1-800-453-4756.