MITCHELL – The Indiana State Police concluded a lengthy investigation of dealing methamphetamine by arresting Vanessa Hughes, 34, of Bedford, on Tuesday evening.
The Indiana State Police Bloomington District Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Section (ACES) and ISP Drug Enforcement Section (DES) detectives received information that Hughes was allegedly involved in the dealing and distribution of meth in Lawrence County.
On July 6th, they obtained information that Hughes was traveling from Indianapolis in a white Nissan Altima with meth in the vehicle. DES detectives located the vehicle traveling south on State Road 37 and followed it toward Lawrence County.
The trooper observed the Nissan and utilized his radar to determine the vehicle was traveling 61 miles per hour in a construction zone near Monroe Dam Road. The Nissan then exited SR 37, traveling toward Lawrence County. Two ISP troopers located the vehicle on Guthrie Road, near Coveyville Road, where it was once again exceeding the speed limit. A traffic stop was conducted.
During the stop, another trooper and his canine Axe came to assist. Axe alerted troopers there were drugs in the vehicle. A subsequent search revealed that Hughes, who was a front-seat passenger, was in possession of 60 grams of meth that she tried to conceal in her pants. Other evidence of dealing was also seized.
Hughes was arrested and incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail on felony charges of dealing meth over 10 grams and possession of meth over 28 grams.
ISP Sgt. Greg Day praised the hard work and dedication of his squad members and the DES Detectives.
“This is just another example of great teamwork and a thorough investigation leading to the arrest of a woman supplying methamphetamine to those struggling with addiction,” added Sgt. Day.
Anyone with illegal drug activity information is requested to call the Indiana State Police Bloomington Post at 812-332-4411, the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office tip line at 812-545-4700, or send an email to drugactivity@lawrencecounty.in.gov. All calls are confidential.
