Despite Indianapolis’ location in the Midwestern United States, police still see lots of drugs that appear to have been made in Mexico and shipped illegally to distributors in Indiana and elsewhere. The investigation and arrest of two people shows how drug cartels use different means to ship their products to distributors in Indianapolis.
On March 1, Kansas Highway Patrol Officers stopped a vehicle near Salina, Kansas. Police found about three pounds of methamphetamine hidden under the back seat. The legal basis of the search was not clear. Police allege that the driver of the car told them that he’d picked up the meth in Tucson and was told to deliver it to a man in Indianapolis known as “La Lupe.” The Kansas Highway Patrol contacted police in Indianapolis and described the incident. They then arranged to accompany the man and his package to Indianapolis to attempt a controlled delivery to La Lupe.
The courier contacted La Lupe and arranged a pick-up at a McDonald’s restaurant in Indianapolis. At the time arranged for the pick-up, an SUV was seen by police arriving at the McDonald’s. One of the two men in the vehicle was identified by police as La Lupe. La Lupe was given two packages supposedly containing meth. La Lupe and his companion were arrested as they left the parking lot. The man known as La Lupe was charged by federal officials with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Police working on the case described the scheme as a common mode of transportation of illegal drugs from the southwest border directly to central Indiana.
The defendants in this case face serious charges. If convicted, La Lupe faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. Anyone facing similar charges may wish to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney for advice on the law and evidence that will affect the outcome of the case. A knowledgeable lawyer may be able to provide an estimate of the likelihood of obtaining a favorable plea agreement or an acquittal if the evidence warrants such an outcome.
Source: theindychannel.com, “‘La Lupe:’ Feds charge Mexican national with being endpoint for meth en route to Indianapolis,” Jordan Fischer, March 12, 2018
