INDIANA — A multi-state fentanyl trafficking organization based in Michigan City has been dismantled following a three-year investigation, authorities said.
According to the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, 19 people were arrested as part of “Operation Motown Blues,” an effort that began in September 2023 after investigators identified a structured drug trafficking network operating throughout the county.
Police say the organization was receiving fentanyl supplies from Detroit and distributing the drugs across Northwest Indiana. Investigators also found the group was involved in the distribution of illegal firearms.
Over the course of the investigation, authorities reported seizing approximately 23,000 fentanyl pills, multiple guns, and more than $10,000 in cash.
Several members of the organization have already been sentenced on various drug trafficking and firearm-related charges. Devin “Melly” Melvin, identified as the group’s leader, was sentenced to 22 years and six months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Other sentences include:
- Clinton “CJ” Rouse: 15 years and eight months, followed by five years of supervised release
- Tyler “White Boy Ty” Wood: 13 years and four months, followed by five years of supervised release
- Justin “Justo” Hervey: 10 years and five months, followed by five years of supervised release
- Raquan “Ques” Perry: six years, followed by three years of supervised release
- Kendrick Portis: three years and four months, followed by four years of supervised release
- Marques Holmes: three years, followed by three years of supervised release
- Jacari Nichols: two years and six months, followed by three years of supervised release
All individuals were convicted of charges related to fentanyl distribution, as well as firearm-related offenses.
The investigation remains part of ongoing efforts to combat the spread of fentanyl and illegal weapons in the region.
