COLUMBUS, Ind. — Six people are under arrest after a drug dealing sweep in Columbus on Friday, May 7.
Officers from the Columbus Police Department and Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office searched a home in the 700 block of Fairview Drive.
Officers found methamphetamine, marijuana, four guns, and a stolen Chevrolet Corvette.
The investigation also led them to a Columbus auto repair garage located in the 500 block of South Cherry Street. The Columbus Code Enforcement closed that garage down.
Here is a list of the six people arrested and the charges they could face:
- Jeremy W. Sweet, 38, of Columbus: Possession of methamphetamine, possession of handgun by a serious violent felon
- Alexus M. Bush, 21, of Columbus: Maintaining a common nuisance, possession of marijuana
- Amanda J Cea, 41, of Columbus: Possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, maintaining a common nuisance
- Eriberto Sanchez Hernandez, 33, of Columbus: Warrant (dealing methamphetamine), resisting law enforcement
- Alex De Arcia, 33, of Columbus: Three counts of dealing methamphetamine, two warrants (false informing and operating a vehicle without ever obtaining a license)
- Nicholas J. Miller, 21, of Columbus: Visiting a common nuisance
"These arrests spotlight the continued hard work that is put in by our officers and detectives," said Chief Michael Richardson. "Getting illegal drugs and firearms off of our streets will continue to be a priority for our police department. If you suspect drug activity is occurring in your neighborhood, you can submit tips and information anonymously."
"I said during the March 31 news conference that more arrests were forthcoming and even after being forewarned, these people haven’t stopped," said Sheriff Matthew Myers. "If you deal or abuse illegal drugs in Bartholomew County, you will be arrested."
RELATED: Feds: 36 charged, large amount of drugs, guns seized in largest bust in Bartholomew County history
In that March case, federal prosecutors announced a major drug trafficking ring had been dismantled in Bartholomew County, the largest drug bust in the county's history.
"Operation Columbus Day" lasted more than two years and took down dozens of high-level drug dealers.
The numbers show the massive scope of the takedown:
- 36 people federally charged
- 115 illegal firearms seized
- 114 pounds of meth
- 28 pounds of marijuana
- 4 pounds of heroin/fentanyl
The investigation targeted the Chavez family, who prosecutors say lived and operated out of the Columbus area.
Jorge Chavez, the alleged kingpin, has now been sentenced to 22 1/2 years in prison.
Prosecutors say the cartel often shipped drugs and cash cross-country through the mail.
