BEDFORD – On Thursday, December 2, 2021, the Indiana State Police Bloomington District A.C.E.S. (Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Section) and Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section concluded another lengthy investigation by making an arrest for dealing methamphetamine.
Over the course of the past few months, ISP received multiple tips and information that 34-year-old Devin A. Smale, of Bedford, was involved in dealing large quantities of meth in and around Lawrence County.
Acting on these tips, ISP launched an investigation that included a plethora of investigative techniques which helped establish probable cause into the allegations.
Thursday around 1:30 p.m., an undercover ISP detective observed Smale driving a 2004 Chrysler and committing multiple traffic infractions. Trooper Chance Humphrey and Sgt. Greg Day conducted a traffic stop on Smale near the intersection of State Road 158 and State Road 450.
As Smale was coming to a stop, he was observed leaning over as if he was hiding something on the passenger side of the car. In addition, other indicators of criminal activity were observed, so troopers requested a canine. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Officer Michael Williams arrived and deployed his K-9 partner, Fleck, who alerted officers to drugs in the Chrysler.
During a search of the vehicle, troopers located a black zippered bag that contained more than 7 grams of meth, digital scales, and plastic baggies for packaging. ISP arrested Smale and incarcerated him at the Lawrence County Jail on felony charges of dealing meth between 5 and 10 grams and possession of meth over 3 grams.
Sgt. Day praised the work of all involved investigators, Officer Williams with K-9 Fleck, and the citizens who had given tips. Sgt. Day stated, “This investigation is yet another example of what a difference can be made when everyone works together. Thanks to the citizen tips, the assistance of Officer Williams and Fleck, and the diligence of all involved ISP troopers, this case has taken a large source of methamphetamine out of our community.”
Anyone with information of illegal drug activity is requested and encouraged to call the Indiana State Police Bloomington Post at 812-332-4411, the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office tip line at 812-545-4700, or send an email to drugactivity@lawrencecounty.in.gov. All calls are confidential.
