Joint Investigation Leads to Union County Meth Lab

Union County – Shortly after midnight, early this morning, troopers from the Meth Suppression Squad along with deputies from the Union County Sheriff’s Department served a search warrant on a residence located at 205 E. Glade Montgomery Rd. just north of Liberty. The warrant, which was the result of an ongoing meth investigation between the two agencies, led to the discovery of a meth lab and the arrest of a Union County man.

Arrested was Derek Kassens, age 28, charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Class “B” Felony; Neglect of a Dependent, Class “C” Felony; Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Precursors, Maintaining a Common Nuisance and Possession of Paraphernalia, all four Class “D” Felonies.

The Neglect of a Dependent charge stems from a small child being in the home at the time the warrant was served. The child was released to relatives. The investigation is ongoing with further charges possible. Meth labs are often found as the result of a tip received from a concerned citizen.

Anyone with information about illegal drug use may call the Pendleton Post at 1-800-527-4752, or the Indiana State Police Drug Tip Line at 1-800-453-4756. Tips can be made and kept anonymous.

The Indiana Meth Investigation System or IMIS, can also take tips on meth labs. Just go to www.meth.in.gov and click on the “Report Suspected Meth Activity” Link. Also available on the meth site is information regarding meth statistics, meth lab cleanup, educational videos and materials about meth manufacturing and addiction.

All Suspects Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law

Address/Location
Indiana State Police-Pendleton District 51-Pendleton, IN
9022 State Route 67
Pendleton, IN 46064

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 765-778-2121

John Bowling
Public Information
jbowling@isp.in.gov
765-778-2121