Evansville, Ind. – Four individuals were arrested Monday during a coordinated drug bust on Olive Street in Evansville. The operation, which involved multiple law enforcement agencies, led to the discovery of methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy, firearms, and over $5,000 in cash.
According to deputies, authorities had been monitoring a home on Olive Street when they observed Dugniqio Forest and Maeling Smith leaving the residence. The two were pulled over shortly thereafter for a traffic violation. During the stop, detectives reportedly discovered meth, cocaine, ecstasy, and more than $1,000 in cash inside their vehicle. Smith was arrested and taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail on drug charges, while Forest was transported to the Henderson County Jail on a federal complaint.
The investigation continued as authorities observed Teshawn Baker arriving at the Olive Street home. After staying for a short time, he left carrying a black bag. Deputies, who had been watching the area, pulled Baker over near the intersection of Lincoln and South Rotherwood Avenue after he allegedly committed another traffic violation. A sheriff’s office K9 alerted officers to the presence of drugs inside his vehicle. Baker attempted to flee the scene but was quickly restrained by law enforcement. A federal complaint was filed against him for the distribution of methamphetamine, and he was taken to the Henderson Detention Center.
Following the arrests of the three suspects, authorities executed a search warrant at the Olive Street home. Derrick Lowe, the homeowner, was stopped as he left the property. Inside his vehicle, deputies found drugs and two semi-automatic firearms. Further investigation of the home revealed additional firearms, over half a pound of marijuana, and more than $4,000 in cash.
All four suspects are facing multiple drug-related charges, as authorities continue to investigate the operation. The bust highlights the ongoing efforts by local and federal law enforcement to combat the distribution of illegal drugs in the area.
