JUDAH – A three-week joint investigation into large-scale narcotics distribution culminated Monday morning in the arrest of a Mitchell man found in possession of a significant quantity of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
The operation was spearheaded by Indiana State Police (ISP) Drug Enforcement Section Detectives Chance Humphrey and Caleb Garvin, with critical support from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation began in early December following reports that Tanner Wessell, 34, was dealing substantial amounts of methamphetamine throughout Lawrence and surrounding counties.
On December 22, at approximately 9:10 a.m., surveillance teams tracked Wessell as he traveled southbound on SR 37 from Monroe County into Lawrence County in a 2006 Mini Cooper. After observing multiple traffic infractions, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputy Davis Miller and Reserve Deputy Mike Hawkins intercepted the vehicle just north of Old 37 in Judah.
During the stop, Captain Andrew Phillips deployed his K-9 partner, Scout, for an open-air sniff. After Scout signaled a positive alert for controlled substances, deputies conducted a search of the vehicle.
The search of the Mini Cooper yielded, approximately 37 grams of meth, four grams of fentanyl and a loaded 9mm handgun.
Following the discovery, investigators obtained a search warrant for Wessell’s Mitchell residence, where they seized additional evidence linked to drug dealing operations.
Wessell was transported to the Lawrence County Jail, where he faces several high-level felony charges, including possession of meth over 10 grams with intent to deal, a Level 2 felony, possession of a narcotic drug with intent to deal with a firearm, a Level 3 felony, possession of meth over 28 grams, a Level 3 felony, possession of a firearm as a serious violent felon, a Level 4 felony, possession of a narcotic drug with a firearm, a Level 5 felony.
Authorities continue to urge the public to report suspicious activity. Anonymous tips can be submitted via the Lawrence County Sheriff’s App or by calling the Prosecutor’s tip line at 812-545-4700.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
