(HOWARD, GRANT, MIAMI, FULTON COUNTIES) - A 15-month, multi-agency drug investigation has ended with more than 65 arrests and over 200 criminal charges filed across four Indiana counties, authorities announced.
The operation, dubbed Operation Upper Hand, targeted large-scale trafficking of narcotics, illegal firearms, and cash beginning in late 2024. Investigators executed more than 20 search warrants in Howard, Grant, Miami, and Fulton counties, seizing significant quantities of drugs, weapons, and money.
According to the Indiana State Police, seizures during the investigation included:
- Approximately 3,575 grams of methamphetamine
- 4,470 counterfeit fentanyl pills
- 200 prescription pills
- 120 grams of cocaine
- 40 grams of heroin
- 13 firearms
- More than $15,000 in U.S. currency
Authorities say the arrests stem from coordinated efforts to dismantle organized drug networks moving narcotics through north-central Indiana.
The investigation involved officers from multiple agencies, including the Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section, Kokomo Police Department, Howard and Grant County sheriff's offices, Peru and Marion police departments, the Cass County Drug Task Force, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
State officials said the operation aligns with Gov. Mike Braun's stated priority of combating violent crime and drug trafficking statewide. Law enforcement leaders say the case resulted in the dismantling of several high-level drug distribution operations.
Dozens of suspects face felony charges ranging from Level 2 dealing offenses to firearms violations, neglect of a dependent, theft, and probation violations, depending on county and case. Charges were filed separately in Howard, Grant, Miami, and Fulton counties.
Authorities emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Additional court proceedings are expected as cases move through the judicial system.
Indiana State Police say Operation Upper Hand is part of an ongoing effort to disrupt drug trafficking corridors and reduce the flow of illegal narcotics through the state.