Indianapolis police seized over 7,000 grams of drugs, nine firearms, and $34,000 in cash during a raid this week at an apartment complex on Westbury North Drive.
The raid, prompted by citizen complaints, led to the arrests of Richard Watkins, 33, and Howard Harris Jr., 25. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) has emphasized that their efforts target violent offenders to curb crime in the community.
Watkins and Harris face multiple felony charges, including dealing and possessing methamphetamine and narcotics, possession of firearms, and unlawful possession of a machine gun.
Watkins, with a 15-year criminal history, was out on pre-trial release for a weapons charge before this arrest. IMPD Lieutenant Vincent Stewart stated, “We’re serious about going after the small number of people who continue to cause the biggest problems.”
The department sees illegal firearms as a major factor in preventing violence, citing the city’s decrease in homicides this year compared to the past six years. Stewart noted that narcotics and firearms are often a deadly combination, contributing to violent crime.
During the investigation, officers found firearms, drugs, and a range of other illegal items, including 400 grams of methamphetamine, 355 grams of fentanyl and suboxone, 6,000 grams of marijuana, 1,000 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, and 50 bottles of THC syrup. Despite claiming to earn money through streaming and selling shoes online, Harris’ stash didn’t add up.
Stewart warned other would-be offenders: “You may get away with it one day, but we’ll get you the next. So if you’re doing something you’re not supposed to be doing, stop.” Watkins is currently held without bond, while Harris was given a $5,000 cash bond.
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