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Nov 09, 2009 - ELKHART COUNTY I.C.E. UNIT LOCATES ONGOING CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE OPERATION IN DOWNTOWN ELKHART

The Elkhart County Interdiction & Covert Enforcement Unit (ICE) is comprised of officers from the Elkhart County Sheriff's Department and the Goshen Police Department

 

“Under Indiana law, all persons arrested for a criminal offense are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law”

 

 

*** MEDIA ADVISORY ***

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

ELKHART COUNTY I.C.E. UNIT LOCATES ONGOING CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE OPERATION IN DOWNTOWN ELKHART

 

MEDIA CONTACT:  Curtis T. Hill, Jr., 296-1888

The Elkhart County I.C.E. unit, assisted by officers of the Indiana State Police and the Goshen Police Department, served a search warrant at 238 Pottawatomi Dr., Elkhart, Indiana. The raid took place at approximately 8:00 p.m. on November 5, 2009. This raid was part of a larger, ongoing investigation into the importation of high-quality methamphetamine into Elkhart County.

As a result of the search warrant the officers seized 790 grams (1.7 pounds) of suspected Crystal Methamphetamine, approximately 482 grams of Marijuana, $10,000 in cash and one long rifle.

            The total estimated potential street value of the suspected illegal drugs is $79,000.

            The officers arrested two persons:

            Baldemar Montes Verduzco, age 19, 238 Pottawatomi St., Elkhart, was booked into the Elkhart County Jail and preliminarily charged with Possession of Methamphetamine in Excess of 3 grams, a Class A Felony, and Possession of Marijuana, a Class D Felony. He faces up to 53 years in prison.

Also arrested was Efren Mendoza Vargas, 33, 238 Pottawatomi St., Elkhart. He was booked into the Elkhart County Jail and preliminarily charged with Possession of Methamphetamine in Excess of 3 grams, a Class A Felony and Possession of Marijuana, a Class D Felony. He also faces up to 53 years in prison.

The $10,000 in cash, various items of personal property and three (3) vehicles were seized by the I.C.E. Unit and are being held pending asset forfeiture proceedings that will be initiated by the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.

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