2 arrested after ISP say $30K worth of heroin found

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – Two Kokomo men were arrested after Indiana State Police stopped their vehicle and troopers said they found around 150 grams of heroin.

State police said on Sunday, around 6:20 p.m., Trooper Ben Rector stopped a vehicle on State Road 26, near Red Cloud Drive, in Lafayette. He said he witnessed a Saab SUV turn right from a left turn lane and attempted to stop the vehicle. Trooper Rector said after following the Saab with his emergency lights on, the SUV finally pulled over.

Trooper Rector made contact with the driver, 49-year-old R.C. Gatlin, and his backseat passenger, 42-year-old Jerelle Gatlin, both from Kokomo, and determined possible criminal activity was occurring.

State police said narcotics, which field tested positive for heroin, were found in the vehicle and in possession of the passenger. Authorities said about 150 grams of heroin valued at $30,000 was located.

Both men were arrested and taken to the Tippecanoe County Jail. They have been preliminarily charged with dealing in a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and maintaining a common nuisance.

The investigation remains ongoing.