Merrillville, IN – A suspected neighborhood drug house that drew more than 170 police calls over 15 years was finally shut down this week following a major operation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Drug Task Force – Regional Enforcement Team.
According to Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr., the operation on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, led to ten arrests and the seizure of multiple narcotics and cash. Deputies and SWAT officers executed a narcotics search warrant at a home in the 7800 block of Hendricks Street in Merrillville.
Authorities said officers confiscated $3,790 in cash, 54 grams of methamphetamine, 10 grams of cocaine, 12 grams of fentanyl, and 13 grams of psychedelic mushrooms. Investigators believe people from across the region allegedly purchased and used illicit drugs at the home.
The investigation focused on 50-year-old Trish Rose, of Merrillville, and 49-year-old Shawn Fullgraf, of Cedar Lake, both allegedly involved in drug trafficking. They were booked into the Lake County Jail on multiple charges, including dealing methamphetamine and cocaine.
Also arrested was 21-year-old Ryan Rose, Trish Rose’s son, a convicted felon previously arrested for murder. He now faces additional drug-related charges, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Martinez praised the coordinated work of the Regional Enforcement Team, a HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) initiative involving multiple law enforcement agencies, noting the effort “helps keep our neighborhoods safe and reduces violent crime.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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