By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
Federal authorities dismantled a large drug trafficking organization in the Louisville area making 17 arrests on both sides of the Ohio River.
The U. S. Attorneys from the Western District of Kentucky and Southern District of Indiana held a joint press conference in New Albany, Ind., on Friday to announce indictments related to distributing methamphetamine. Seven people in Indiana and 11 Kentuckians were indicted.
All defendants are in custody except one.
“Drug trafficking brings gun violence that many of our Midwestern communities are experiencing,” said Josh Minkler, U. S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Those who choose to sell drugs in our neighborhoods will experience the full brunt of federal law enforcement and realize the Ohio River will not stifle or cooperative effort between law enforcement agencies.”
Numerous federal, state and local police agencies on both sides of the river were involved in the investigation.
“The Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners stood shoulder to shoulder last week to promise intelligence-driven targeting of these violent drug trafficking organizations harming this great city,” said Russell Coleman, U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky. “Today’s arrests are yet another deposit on this promise. Stay tuned.”
Federal prosecutors said defendants face at least 10 years to life in prison if convicted.
“The FBI and its partners remain dedicated to disrupting and dismantling the most violent offenders and organizations through intelligence-driven investigations,” said Amy S. Hess, Special Agent in Charge FBI Louisville. “Our goal remains the same: stop the violence, get drugs and weapons off the
