One of the Largest Drug Busts Ever in Howard County Lands 50 People In Jail

KOKOMO, Ind. — It’s one of the biggest drug bust ever in Howard County.

Kokomo police have arrested 50 people in the second part of a drug investigation and they expect to make more arrests. It’s Part 2 of what is known as “Operation Law and Order.”

“Over the past several weeks, our drug task force has gone out and served several warrants that were previously sealed,” said Kokomo police Capt. Tonda Cockrell. “This has netted not only arrests of those with warrants, but also ‘sight’ arrests, meaning the arrests of people who were also found in possession of drugs.”

Around 1,000 grams of methamphetamine, 5,000 grams of marijuana, and 20 grams of heroin were seized in raids that began back in late June.

Cockrell said Part 1 of the operation led to the arrest of 15 people back in May. That also led to the seizure of meth, cocaine, and fentanyl, along with a sniper rifle and two semi-automatic rifles.

She said this all started after Kokomo police worked with the DEA to arrest the ringleader of a Howard County drug operation, Reggie Balentine. 

(PHOTO: spaxiax/Thinkstock)