Hammond, IN – A Hammond man has been sentenced to 96 months in federal prison after investigators linked him to methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine sales across Northwest Indiana and parts of Illinois. The Gary Police Department announced the conviction today, highlighting the case as a major example of federal–local cooperation targeting narcotics distribution in the region.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Lake County Combined Task Force – Indiana HIDTA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Fernando Porras Jr., 64, was prosecuted following a series of controlled narcotics transactions documented throughout 2023 and early 2024.
According to court documents, Porras Jr. allegedly sold methamphetamine and cocaine at a gas station in Gary on January 22, 2024. Investigators also tied him to additional sales of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine in Dolton, Illinois, and Gary between May 2023 and March 2024. Authorities noted he has a prior conviction for dealing LSD.
Following his 96-month sentence, Porras Jr. will serve four years of supervised release.
Officials said the case underscores the ongoing efforts of federal and local teams working to reduce illegal narcotics activity throughout Lake County and the greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana corridor. Gary Police emphasized that collaboration with federal partners continues to be a key tool in improving public safety.
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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