COLUMBUS — A months-long investigation into a Bartholomew drug distribution culminated in a raid last week, resulting in the arrest of two Columbus residents and the seizure of a significant cache of narcotics and a loaded weapon.
The Bartholomew County Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET) executed a search warrant on Tuesday at a residence located in the 1300 block of Woodleigh Court.
According to the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, the targeted operation yielded more than 50 grams of cocaine, digital scales, drug packaging materials, an undisclosed amount of cash, and a loaded firearm.
Authorities arrested two individuals at the scene. They have been identified as Justin Dampier, 31, and Hannah Smiley, 26, both of Columbus.
Both individuals were transported to the Bartholomew County Jail and face several preliminary felony and misdemeanor charges, including dealing cocaine, a Level 2 felony, obstruction of justice, maintaining a common nuisance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Under Indiana law, possessing more than 28 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver elevates a dealing charge to a Level 2 felony, which carries a potential prison sentence of 10 to 30 years. The inclusion of a loaded firearm at the scene typically intensifies federal and state interest in narcotics cases due to the heightened risk of violence.
JNET, which is a combined task force consisting of officers from the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, the Columbus Police Department, and the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office, stated that the investigation into local distribution networks remains ongoing.
Officials are urging anyone with information regarding suspected drug activity in the area to contact the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department tip line. Callers may remain anonymous.
