Newton County-On Friday evening, June 8th, at approximately 6:20 pm, a trooper with the Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on I-65 and discovered a hidden compartment with heroin inside.

A blue 2000 Chevrolet Venture minivan was stopped on I-65 south bound at the 232 mile marker (this is two miles north of the Demotte/Roselawn exit) for an unsafe lane movement violation.  The occupants of the vehicle appeared nervous and after speaking with them the trooper became suspicious.

Senior Trooper Fred Trammel and his canine partner “Rykr” alerted on the minivan and the driver gave consent to search.

A hidden compartment was located in the rear floor area of the minivan.  A package containing 3.75 pounds of heroin was found inside the compartment.  The heroin has a street value of approximately $100,000.

The three occupants were transported to Newton County Jail and being held on a $60,000 bond for Dealing Heroin, Class A Felony.

Arrested:
Atanacio-Martinez-Castro, 35 of Chicago, Illinois
Margarita Rivera, 36 of Chicago, Illinois
Leida Sanchez, 23 of Cicero, Illinois

Agencies assisting:  Hobart Police Department.