INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Alcohol Task Force, alongside IMPD, has shut down an illegal nightclub that was operating inside a home on the city's west side.
In 2023, IMPD Northwest District officers received more than 40 calls for reports of disturbances, loud music, people assaulted and shots fired in the 3000 block of Lupine Drive, near West 34th Street and North High School Road.
IMPD detectives determined the home was functioning as a full-service nightclub.
“When we have an after-hours club, we find that there is a very large caravan of people leaving usually one alcohol establishment that is licensed and people just caravan over there,” IMPD Capt. William Carter said. “They are telling everybody, ‘Hey, we know the bar has to close at 3 because the law tells them they have to close at 3.’ Then, they start recruiting people and pass out flyers. They get numbers. They text them.”
On Jan. 19, the Indianapolis Alcohol Task Force executed a search warrant on the home, with the help of officers from IMPD and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
During the search warrant, officers seized 1,200 bottles of alcohol, narcotics, cash and documents supporting a nightclub operation.
“They had taken a garage, a two-car garage, insulated the doors, sealed it shut. They had a bar inside the location where they were pouring drinks from,” Carter said.
IMPD said neighbors were appreciative of police efforts in shutting down the nightclub.
"We just want our quiet, safe neighborhood back, and we hope what you accomplished today will go a long way in bringing it back," a neighbor said.
As a reminder, it is illegal to sell and serve alcohol without a license or proper permit.
Police believe a couple living at the home is behind the operation. No arrests have been made yet. IMPD is working with the prosecutor’s office to determine possible criminal and civil charges.
Customs Enforcement was also involved during the search warrant, but when asked, IMPD did not know the status of the Customs Enforcement investigation.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information on the incident is asked to contact Detective Tiffany Mastin at the IMPD Nuisance and Abatement Office at 317-327-6169 or by email at Tiffany.Mastin@indy.gov.
Tips can also be made anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.