Park Drug Raid

VINCENNES, IND. (WTHI) -      A drug investigation in southern Indiana takes police to a local park.

     Vincennes Police say they arrested 3 people who weren't just living in a popular park, but were also using it as a base for their drug operations.

     The clamp down at the camp ground was welcome among people who spend time at the park.

     Most days at Kimmell Park are pretty quiet.

     The park is a popular spot with folks who like to grab some lunch and watch the Wabash River flow by, but the quiet went away for awhile following a police investigation into drug dealing.

     "The investigation led out to Kimmell Park where we located a tent and a camper that were supposedly dealing in methamphetamine," said Vincennes Police Detective Doug Lowe.

     Police found guns, cash and an active meth lab in a camping trailer and in 2 tents nearby they found more labs and meth.

     Charges of possession and manufacturing meth were brought against 37 year old Chris Myers and his 34 year old wife Nicole.

     Police filed drug and weapon charges against 39 year old Brant Smith.

     Because these drugs were being manufactured in the park it enhances the potential penalties.

     The charges are now all Class A felonies that carry a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison.

     "Hopefully that problem is solved and they realize you can't do that in the city park or any park that's in the city," said Lowe.

     Because the historic old park by the river is for relaxing in
Vincennes, not for dealing drugs.

     Police say all 3 of the people arrested are being held in the Knox County Jail on $25,000 bond each.