Law enforcement agencies take down multi-state meth ring

SCOTTSBURG, Ind. (WISH) -The biggest drug suppliers to Scott County have been arrested, according to police. Ten people are facing federal charges in connection with the drug operation.

Authorities said they started the undercover investigation in response to the county’s HIV outbreak.

Officials said undercover agents caught suspects distributing meth and a prescription painkiller called Opana. According to county health workers, the HIV outbreak spread, in part, due to Opana users sharing needles.

Detectives uncovered more than a pound of drugs, $34,000 and 12 guns Friday morning. Police said they raided multiple Scott County locations and busted suppliers in Detroit and Louisville.

Investigators also towed cars from a Scottsburg lot, which was owned by one of the 10 suspects who were arrested, police say.

Karen Pierce works at an auto parts store next to the lot.

“The whole lot of was full of cops,” she said. “We know he’s been dealing drugs out of here. I’m just glad they finally got him.”

Pierce said she often sees suspicious-looking people hanging out near the lot. Now she’s hoping she’s seen the last of them.

“I’m just glad to be getting that crud out of Scottsburg,” she said.

Police said more than 100 state, local and federal officers were involved in the busts. If convicted, the suspects could face 10 years to life in prison.

Health workers announced Monday that four people in the Scott County area tested positive. The total number of cases is now 188.