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The arrest of a Ligonier man on Tuesday is being called a major coup in the war on drugs.
Saldivar Contreras, of 877 U.S. 6E #96, was allegedly distributing large amounts of cocaine and marijuana in the Ligonier, Syracuse and Warsaw areas. He was arrested by the Fort Wayne Drug Enforcement Agency and federally charged with dealing cocaine, a Class A felony.
During a two-week investigation prior to Contreras' arrest, undercover police officers from the Kosciusko County Special Operations Team and Whitley County Drug Task Force reportedly purchased 12 ounces of cocaine and 1 pound of marijuana from him.
"This arrest was attributed to the cooperation of many departments in the ongoing fight against drugs in our community," Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine said in a press release.
A search warrant executed on Contreras' home at the time of his arrest allegedly led police to cocaine, marijuana and $7,000 cash. Police also seized three vehicles from the residence.
Also assisting in the arrest were officers from the Indiana State Police and Fulton County drug task forces and the Noble County Sheriff's Department.
