7 men arrested in IMPD drug trafficking bust
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Seven men have been arrested as part of a multi-agency bust on a drug trafficking ring operating in Indianapolis.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department announced the arrests Wednesday morning.
The arrests came after a several monthslong investigation by IMPD Northwest District’s Violent Crimes Task Force, according to IMPD.
With the help of crime analysts, detectives identified the seven men they believed were involved in “drug trafficking, possessing illegal firearms, and being involved in several violent incidents across the city.”
Investigators obtained search warrants and served them on multiple houses in Indianapolis on Tuesday.
During the search, police found:
- 7 firearms
- Approximately 2.5 pounds of cocaine
- Approximately 195 grams of pressed narcotic pills
- Approximately 7 pounds of marijuana
- $18,640 cash
The seven men face numerous drug and gun-related charges. Their identities and charges are listed below.
Suspects
- Alexander Mendoza, 18
- Erick Amaro Lozano, 18
- Jasiel Cruz-Avina, 20
- Austin Juarez Garcia, 21
- Ernesto Casas, 28
- Juan Rodriguez Gardia, 26
- Bryan Rodriguez, 23
Preliminary charges
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Dealing a controlled substance
- Possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon
- Participation in a criminal organization
All IMPD VCTFs, Violence Reduction Teams, IMPD SWAT, Fishers SWAT, Carmel SWAT, Indiana State police SWAT, and FBI Safe Streets Task Force assisted in the searches and arrests.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office has not filed charges as of 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Bottom row, left to right: Alexander Mendoza, 18; Bryan Rodriguez, 23; Juan Rodriguez Gardia, 26.
