Two Arrested After Lake County Drug Busts Uncover Cocaine, Heroin, Guns

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The Lake County Sheriff's Drug Task Force carried out two drug raids in Gary and Lowell, Indiana on Friday, leading to the arrests of two individuals. Charles Trotter, a 44-year-old convicted felon, was accused of selling cocaine near a school in Gary, while a search of his home uncovered 98 grams of cocaine, 1.5 grams of fentanyl, 47 grams of heroin, and 7 guns. A separate search of a home in Lowell found 13.7 grams of cocaine, 58 grams of THC products, and 15 firearms, one of which was reported stolen.

Why it matters

The drug busts and seizure of a significant amount of narcotics and firearms highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the opioid crisis and illegal drug trade in the region. The proximity of the alleged drug dealing to a school also raises concerns about the impact on the local community.

The details

In the first raid, a SWAT team searched Charles Trotter's home in the 800 block of Adams Street in Gary and found 98 grams of cocaine, 1.5 grams of fentanyl, 47 grams of heroin, 8 grams of marijuana, and 7 guns. Trotter, a 44-year-old convicted felon, was accused of selling cocaine within 200 feet of the 21st Century School. In the second operation, authorities searched a home in Lowell in the 16600 block of Morse Street and discovered 13.7 grams of cocaine, 58 grams of THC products, and 15 firearms, one of which was reported stolen from Cedar Lake.

• The Lake County Sheriff's Drug Task Force conducted the two drug busts on Friday, March 13, 2026.

What’s next

The judge will decide on whether to grant bail for Charles Trotter, who faces drug distribution and weapons charges.