A Tuesday drug raid on Columbus' north side ended with two people in custody after a multiagency narcotics team served a search warrant at a home in the 1300 block of Woodleigh Court, investigators said. Inside, officers reported finding more than 50 grams of cocaine, digital scales and other packaging materials, about $1,800 in cash and a loaded firearm.
The suspects were identified as 26-year-old Hannah Smiley and 31-year-old Justin Dampier, both of Columbus. Bond for each was set at $150,000. Smiley posted bond and was released, while Dampier remains in the Bartholomew County Jail, according to investigators.
As reported by The Republic, Lt. Dane Duke said the search turned up the cocaine, drug-packaging supplies, cash and the loaded firearm. The Republic also identified Smiley and Dampier as the two people arrested in the operation and noted the location on Woodleigh Court.
Joint unit that served warrant
The raid was carried out by the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team, or JNET, a multiagency unit focused on pursuing drug dealers in Bartholomew County. The team includes undercover officers from the Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office, the Columbus Police Department and a Bartholomew County deputy prosecutor, according to the Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office. The office also notes it assigns a deputy to the Drug Enforcement Administration to work on cases that need federal support.
Charges, bail and next steps
Smiley and Dampier were booked on preliminary counts that include dealing in cocaine, obstruction of justice, maintaining a common nuisance and possession of paraphernalia, with bond for each set at $150,000, The Republic reports. Smiley posted bond and was released, while Dampier remains in the Bartholomew County Jail awaiting further proceedings.
Prosecutors may file formal charges after reviewing the evidence collected during the search, authorities said. An arrest is an allegation, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Officials have not said whether they expect additional arrests as investigators follow up on leads from the raid.
