In recent years, Indiana has increasingly felt the impact of cartel crime, a troubling trend that has prompted local law enforcement to take proactive measures.
Stephen Luce, executive director of the Indiana Sheriffs' Association, highlighted the urgent need for vigilance and strategy in addressing these criminal activities.
"What we noticed most and when we have our roundtable meetings is just the effects that (cartel crime) does to our community with criminal elements or their business practices," Luce told Federal Newswire. "The way they come into the state of Indiana—every state is a border state—there are no boundaries. We see a lot of the drug activity that is ruining our communities, just with the overdoses and the young kids and even the counterfeit drugs that are laced with fentanyl or other chemicals."
Indiana has been deeply impacted by the opioid crisis, which is largely fueled by cartel-produced fentanyl.
Indiana University research reveals that the state is grappling with a severe addiction crisis, with nearly one in 12 residents suffering from substance use disorders and drug overdoses nearly doubling since 2010.
The rise in street drug use, driven by stricter opioid prescriptions, has exacerbated the problem, leading to increased rates of overdose and infectious diseases.
Indiana University notes the economic impact of drug addiction in the state is staggering, costing the state billions annually, while the crisis also jeopardizes future generations through increased drug use among youth and a growing number of children removed from homes due to parental addiction.
Luce underscored the association's efforts to counter these threats through education and legislative advocacy.
"Other than trying to be proactive and educate our communities and provide training for our sheriff's offices, that's kind of what our involvement is," he said. "We work with our legislators if they want to look at any type of legislation that might regulate or control or give us better outcomes related to the cartels."
Indiana's strategic position, bordering states with more progressive drug policies, has intensified its challenges.
"Indiana, we have not yet passed medical marijuana, recreational use, or anything like that,” he said. “So we're kind of one of those states who border several states that have already done that. We're trying to get out in front of if you had to rewrite this legislation again, that might have to do with an increase of criminal activity."
Recent polling shows that Indiana's stance may change soon as 67% of Republicans favor some form of marijuana legalization, with support split between recreational and medicinal use.
That same poll found 31% of Indiana Republicans believe stopping illegal immigration is the most critical issue for the governor and state legislature, overshadowing concerns about inflation, job creation and crime.
As the state's rural areas become more diverse and experience higher drug trafficking activities, Luce emphasizes the importance of preparation.
"We are an agricultural state, so we do have a lot of seasons where we see more of a diverse population that comes here," he said. "There’s a lot of times where people come in and out, and you're hoping that they're there to be productive. But sometimes, they're connected to criminal activities."
Luce’s comments come as 10.5 million illegal immigrants have entered the country in the past few years.
Human trafficking, another critical issue, remains a major concern.
Luce highlighted the association's commitment to training and resources aimed at combating human trafficking.
"Human trafficking definitely is something that we're focused on," he said. "We have a human trafficking seminar that we're doing, so that's one of the areas where law enforcement probably needs more training. There are so many ways to hide how you're trafficking drugs and using people. We want to give officers more tools for thorough investigations because victims often don't speak out due to fear for their lives."
Corrupt police have been a hallmark of cartel operations elsewhere.
Luce pointed to recent legislative improvements, such as House Bill 1006, which provides greater oversight and accountability for police conduct.
"We invested back into House Bill 1006, which really gave law enforcement more tools and abilities to police our world," Luce said. "We want to make sure we're hiring the right people and not working with bad police officers. We want to get rid of them as fast as we can to ensure they don’t end up working elsewhere."
Cartel influence has been notable in the state.
In May, Glenis Zapata, crowned Miss Indiana Latina in 2011, was arrested in a major drug bust linked to a Mexican cartel.
Zapata allegedly used her role as a flight attendant to transport over $300,000 in cartel drug money and arrange for cocaine and money transport aboard commercial jets. She faces money laundering charges for cash transfers between 2019 and 2020.
Luce has been the executive director of the Indiana Sheriffs' Association since February 2009. His extensive law enforcement career includes roles as Knox County Sheriff and as a supervisor, patrolman and national committee chair. He has received multiple awards recognizing his contributions to public safety and law enforcement.
