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Last updated on Tuesday, October 8, 2013
(HANCOCK CO.) - Indiana State Police officials say the Hancock County spice manufacturing operation bust on Friday was the largest in the state’s history.
Officers say two of the buildings in the 4500 block of County Road 650 West were used for the alleged manufacturing and distribution. Investigators found more than 500 pounds of finished product that was ready for packaging, and 800 pounds of unprocessed flower plant material, along with packaging material, which was worth $6 million.
Police say the operation had more than $2.4 million in finished, ready to be packaged, material. In total, the operation was worth $8.4 million.
"Every indication, from what we're aware of, is this is the largest spice type bust in Indiana," said Captain David Bursten, with the Indiana State Police.
Investigators say the Hancock County location was the manufacturing site. A warehouse in Indianapolis was the distribution site.
No word if the Citgo Gas Station that was busted for having 3,000 packages of Spice on Sunday was part of that ring.
ISP officials said it was the biggest they've ever seen. The deputy prosecutor believed it's one of the largest in the country.
ISP says the investigation was ongoing on Monday. Hancock County Deputy Prosecutor said they had a few suspects although no arrests were made as of Monday. However authorities say they know they need to find whoever is responsible and soon.
"The allure of this kind of money is always an issue and where these people's operation has been liquified for the time being, if we're not able to find them, they will set up operation someplace else," Bursten said.
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