New task force takes aim at drug trafficking

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - There are more eyes on Indiana interstates this month, and they're watching for drug trafficking.

24-Hour News 8 found the details on a new drug task force just north of Indianapolis.

It’s called the Interstate Criminal Enforcement Task Force, and it has one mission: to stop the flow of drugs to and through Indiana.

“We’re right in between Lafayette, Chicago, and Indianapolis. It’s coming through here,” said Chief Troy Bacon, with the Frankfort Police Department.

In January, multiple police departments teamed up in Boone and Clinton counties to put a team on the interstate, looking for just one thing.

“This team is completely dedicated to being out there. They don’t take calls for services, they don’t take accident calls, they’re strictly looking for criminal activity, specifically drugs and narcotics,” said Bacon.

The team is made up of officers from Lebanon and Frankfort Police Departments, and Boone and Clinton County Sheriff’s Departments.

On Wednesday, police say they pulled over 41-year-old Javier Calyeca-Davila for following too closely to a semi.

They say a Boone County K9 unit assisted in that traffic stop, finding 5.75 pounds worth of meth, along with illegal prescription meds. Police said the meth was estimated at $275,000 .

This new task force joins other, similar groups across the area, like the P.A.C.E team that patrols I-70.

They've stopped hundreds of pounds of drugs on the interstate since 2009.

In Boone and Clinton counties, they're hoping to apply for grants to better fund the program.