The LaPorte County Drug Task Force, an Indiana HIDTA Initiative, Michigan City Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit, and the Indiana State Police Illicit Hazardous Environment Team (IHE), announced the successful dismantling of an illegal drug manufacturing operation, marking a significant blow to underground narcotics production in the area. Following an extensive investigation, police executed a residential search warrant at 109 Earl Rd, Michigan City, IN on December 5th, 2024, uncovering a fully operational drug lab.
“This operation was a sophisticated setup designed to produce and distribute dangerous substances,” said LaPorte County Drug Task Force Commander Sgt. Kyle Shiparski. “Thanks to the dedication and collaboration of our detectives and the Indiana State Police IHE team, we were able to shut it down and prevent further harm to our community.”
During the raid, officers seized a host of illegal substances and evidence to support the manufacturing of an illicit substance, highlighting the scale and danger of the operation. Preliminary estimates suggest that the lab was capable of producing Dimethyltryptamine or “DMT”, which is considered a schedule I controlled substance under Indiana State law. Dimethyltryptamine, street name, “DMT”, is known for its hallucinogenic properties and glaring level of danger associated with its production/manufacturing.
The investigation was initiated following a two-month drug investigation, which led authorities to 109 Earl Rd. The suspect, 48-year-old Michigan City resident, William Jarrod Riser, is currently in custody and faces charges including, Manufacturing a Schedule I controlled substance as a level 5 felony, and Possession of Methamphetamine as a level 6 felony. The LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office assisted with presenting probable cause to the honorable
Judge Jaime Oss in LaPorte Superior Court I. Mr. Riser is now being held on a $15,000 cash- only bond and awaiting his initial appearance on December 10th, 2024.
“Operations like these are a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegal drug production. They not only put lives at risk through the proliferation of harmful substances but also create hazardous conditions in our neighborhoods”, added Michigan City Chief of Police, Marty Corley. “We’re committed to maintaining the safety and well-being of our residents.”
The LaPorte County Drug Task Force asks anyone with information about criminal activity to contact them at 219-873-1488 or via social media. Furthermore, Police and Public Health officials have noted that drug supply disruptions can increase the overdose risk for people with active substance use. You can learn more about local treatment options by simply dialing “988” on your telephone to be connected with a local Lifeline Specialist, nationally through www.findtreatment.gov, or speak with a peer operator at the Overdose Prevention Hotline at
877-696-1996