Police: Drugs found in search of Valparaiso apartment

3 residents facing drug charges after complaint about odor

Valparaiso police arrested three people on drug charges at two locations Tuesday after finding a considerable quantity and variety of drugs, according to a news release.

Police were advised of a narcotic complaint in the 300 block of Locust Street because the odor of marijuana was coming from an apartment on Tuesday, according to a release from Sgt. E.J. Hall, public information officer with the Valparaiso Police Department.

Sgt. Todd Kobitz used his K-9 Geist to confirm which apartment the odor was coming from and obtained a search warrant on the residence.

A search of the apartment reportedly resulted in the seizure of 277 grams of marijuana; multiple illegal prescription d r u g s ; me t h a mp h e t - amine; fentanyl; and numerous liquid vape tubes containing THC, the active agent in marijuana, the release said.

Police arrested John Judd, 35, who lived in the apartment, on felony charges of maintaining a common nuisance and possession of a hypodermic needle and a misdemeanor count of possession of paraphernalia, the release said.

He was transported to Porter County Jail, police said, and charges are still being investigated on other people linked to that address.

While police were investigating that complaint, they received information on a possible suspect located in the 500 block of Yellowstone Road.

Police went to the address and were allowed inside, where they allegedly saw narcotic-related items, the release said.

A search reportedly resulted in the seizure of marijuana and narcotic paraphernalia, including two hypodermic needles, police said.

Terra Lynch, 33, of that address, was arrested on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of a hypodermic needle, and misdemeanor counts of visiting a common nuisance, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia.

Jeremiah Cruz, 31, of Nesquehoning, Pa., was charged with a felony counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of a hypodermic needle, and a misdemeanor charge of visiting a common nuisance.

Po l i c e transported Lynch and Cruz to Porter County Jail.

Amy Lavalley is a freelance reporter for the PostTribune.