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Excise officers arrest two women on drug related charges

ANDERSON, Ind. (WISH) – Two women were arrested on drug related charges by Indiana State Excise Police officers late Saturday night.

According to a release, Kara Butler and Taylor Willhoite, both 25 from Anderson, were arrested at approximately 11:15 p.m.

Police said officers walked up to the vehicle in the parking lot of Las Marias Lounge on Columbus Avenue in Anderson, and smelled the odor of burnt marijuana coming out of the vehicle they were in.

Police said one of the woman admitted to smoking marijuana and gave consent for officers to search the vehicle. During the search, officers found cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, alprazolam, oxycodone, morphine, acetaminophen/oxycodone, and buprenorphine.

Butler was arrested on the preliminary charges that include:

  • Dealing cocaine and narcotics
  • Possession of cocaine and narcotics
  • Dealing marijuana
  • Possession of marijuana

Butler was transported into the Madison County Jail.

Willhoite was given an arrest summons for possession of marijuana and released.

“Central to the mission of the Indiana State Excise Police is the enforcement of the Indiana Alcoholic Beverage laws, especially those related to underage drinking. Often, excise officers happen upon criminal activity while exercising the regulatory responsibilities incumbent upon the agency. This investigation is an example as to how the enforcement of alcohol laws further enhances public safety,” Superintendent Matt Strittmatter said.