Two more arrested in Lebanon drug crackdown - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

In our 13 Investigates Heroin in the Heartland report last week, we revealed a thriving heroin business in central Indiana suburbs and rural areas.

The Hamilton Boone County Drug Task Force announced two more arrests in Lebanon, marking seven heroin-related arrests in Boone County in less than a week.

Joby Merrill, 38, is facing felony charges for possession of heroin, methamphetamine and methamphetamine manufacturing.

Charisse Hughes, 35, is facing misdemeanor charges for possession of paraphernalia.

Heroin paraphernalia can include spoons and syringes.

"Heroin can be snorted. It can be injected. It can be smoked," said Catherine Cummings, Marion County Office of Public Safety.

"You can do what's called cooking in the spoon, where they melt it down. They cook it down to where it becomes a liquid," Cummings explained. At that point, it's placed in a needle and injected.

"I think heroin is a nationwide problem. It's not just an Indiana problem. It's not just an Indianapolis problem. Heroin is nationwide problem," said Cummings.

If you'd like to report any type of illegal drug activity, call the Drug Hotline at (317) 571-2545. Callers may remain anonymous.