More than 40 city, county and state officers armed with warrants took to the streets of Kokomo early Thursday, looking for a number of suspected drug dealers.
The operation dubbed “Jacoby” was named in honor of longtime Kokomo Police Department drug enforcement officer Jack Adams, who is nearing retirement.
FOR A LIST OF THE SUSPECTS ARRESTED SEE THE KOKOMO TRIBUNE PRINT EDITION (4/27/07)
Adams, known by his street name of Jacoby, was instrumental in putting together the year-long undercover investigations that led to the issuance of 30 arrest warrants for various drug charges, said KPD Capt. Michael Wheeler, head of the Howard County Drug Task Force.
Officers hit the streets about sunrise and arrested seven of the 30 before 10 a.m., Wheeler said.
The list of offenders released by police Thursday included only five people who were arrested early Thursday. Nine others were found to be jailed in other counties and several are still wanted, he said.
The names of the other suspects will be released as the investigation continues.
Charges range from D felony possession of marijuana to multiple A felony counts of dealing in cocaine and other controlled substances, Wheeler said.
The probe focused on suspected cocaine and other drug dealers, including some who were repeat offenders of dealing within 1,000 feet of a school, a day care center, a housing complex and youth center.
“It’s frustrating,” Wheeler said of arrested the same people over and over again.
“I think we need to back up and take a serious look at sentences,” he said of the legal system. “We realize the jails are full and at capacity. But we’re not doing ourselves any favors by putting these people back on the streets. We need to more aggressive with repeat offenders.”
Indiana State Police and Howard County Sheriff Department assisted in the busts.
More arrests and charges are expected from this operation.
Adams, who has worked a number of drug operations in his 33 years on the department, was humbled by having an operation named in his honor. The operations are given names so the officers can keep track of each operation.
“It wasn’t my idea, but I guess I appreciate the recognition,” he said.
Mike Fletcher may be reached at (765) 454-8565 or via e-mail at mike.fletcher@kokomotribune.com
