What started as a basic traffic stop on Kokomo's south side yesterday turned into one of Howard County's larger street-level drug seizures, according to deputies. After a white Dodge Ram allegedly crossed the center line twice, officers pulled it over and later reported finding a loaded 9mm pistol, two cellphones, a digital scale and more than 365 grams of suspected methamphetamine.
Traffic Stop Uncovers Major Meth Haul
In a detailed post from the Howard County Sheriff's Office, officials said Deputy Lindsey Needler stopped the truck at Lincoln Road and Goyer Road. During the stop, deputies reported locating 365.8 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 3 grams of suspected cocaine.
According to the sheriff's office, deputies also seized numerous small plastic baggies commonly associated with drug distribution, photographed and cataloged all items, and secured the evidence in the agency's system.
Two Arrested, Felony Charges Filed
Howard County authorities identified 28-year-old Noah Persing as the driver and 29-year-old Amalea Irvin as the passenger. Persing was detained during the stop, while Irvin was taken into custody after, according to deputies, she admitted to possessing marijuana in her vehicle.
The sheriff's post, attributed to the Howard County Sheriff's Office, states that Persing faces preliminary counts of dealing methamphetamine (Level 2 felony), possession of methamphetamine (Level 3 felony), possession of cocaine (Level 5 felony) and possession of paraphernalia. Irvin's preliminary charges include possession-related offenses, among them a Level 6 felony for methamphetamine and a Class B misdemeanor for marijuana.
"The case remains active and under investigation by Deputy Lindsey Needler (#34-101)," the office noted.
More Drugs Found During Booking, Gun Seized
Once Irvin arrived at the jail, correctional staff conducting the booking process discovered a concealed baggie that contained two separate packages of suspected narcotics, deputies reported. One package field-tested positive for fentanyl and the other for methamphetamine.
Investigators say a small baggie recovered from Irvin's vehicle also field-tested positive for THC. In addition, deputies reported seizing a C9 9mm Luger pistol with ammunition, which was swabbed for DNA, along with a digital scale, two cellphones and assorted drug paraphernalia.
Drugs Headed To State Lab, Tips Still Sought
According to the sheriff's office, all suspected narcotics will be submitted to the Indiana State Police Laboratory for confirmatory testing and official weight determination.
Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact Deputy Lindsey Needler at 765-614-3401 or send a tip through the sheriff's office mobile app or website. Tip and non-emergency contact options are listed on the Howard County Sheriff's Office website.
Part Of A Wider Drug Enforcement Push
The seizure comes in the midst of an ongoing task-force effort by Howard County detectives and partner agencies that targets methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl distribution across the county. Previous task-force operations have resulted in multiple arrests and multi-pound drug seizures, underscoring the sheriff's office focus on trafficking, according to reporting by GIANT fm.
Legal Status And Ongoing Investigation
Authorities emphasize that those charged are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The sheriff's office has described the arrests as part of an active investigation and is asking anyone with relevant footage or tips to come forward as detectives continue to follow up on leads.
