Evansville, IN – Four individuals were arrested following a major drug trafficking investigation in Evansville, leading to the seizure of a significant amount of illegal substances, cash, firearms, and the dismantling of a clandestine synthetic cannabinoid lab, according to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigation Overview
Authorities began investigating a confederate group of drug traffickers operating in Evansville in June, according to court documents. Investigators identified Brian McCurry, Frank Jackson, and Zaine Conner as key suspects. Both McCurry and Jackson were reportedly on supervised release during the investigation.
Search Warrants Executed
On Tuesday, search warrants were granted for three homes in Evansville:
- 100 block of North Rotherwood Avenue
- 1600 block of Fares Avenue
- 4400 block of Taylor Avenue
Arrests on Fares Avenue
On Wednesday, detectives stopped Frank Johnson and Davina Jackson as they left the Fares Avenue residence. Johnson admitted that synthetic drugs and large amounts of cash were inside the home. Jackson told authorities she had been obtaining multiple quantities of synthetic cannabinoid chemicals from Brian McCurry to redistribute.
Law enforcement seized:
- 139.2 grams of synthetic cannabinoid chemical
- 1,279 grams of Damiana leaf with presumptive synthetic cannabinoid
- Two digital scales with residue
- Five sheets of paper soaked in wax-like substance
- Several pieces of glassware with chemical residue
Both Johnson and Jackson were arrested and booked into Vanderburgh County Jail, as reported.
North Rotherwood Avenue Raid
At the home on North Rotherwood Avenue, law enforcement discovered four juvenile children living with Brian McCurry and Destiny Minton. During the search, deputies seized:
- 18 pounds of suspected marijuana
- 1/2 pound of psilocybin mushrooms
- 170 grams of suboxone strips
- 13.5 pounds of synthetic cannabinoid
- Large amounts of cash
The Indiana Department of Child Services took custody of the four juveniles. Minton was arrested and transported to Vanderburgh County Jail.
Taylor Avenue Search
The search of the home on 4400 block of Taylor Avenue yielded no evidence of value.
Marx Road Investigation and Arrest of Conner
Surveillance at 10000 block of Marx Road, residence of Zaine Conner, led to a traffic stop where deputies found Conner in possession of two firearms and a respirator mask. Conner admitted to manufacturing synthetic cannabinoid products for Brian McCurry, describing the process and stating he was paid $1,000 per batch.
Searches of the property revealed a large clandestine synthetic cannabinoid lab, including:
- 4.6 pounds of white powder synthetic cannabinoid
- 9.2 pounds of yellow wax-like synthetic cannabinoid
- Digital scale and drug ledger
- Money counter
- Five rifles and four semi-automatic handguns with ammunition
- Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine pills
- Over 27.3 pounds of synthetic cannabinoid chemicals
The quantity of chemicals seized was enough to manufacture 2,730 pounds of sprayed Damiana leaf. Conner was arrested and transported to Vanderburgh County Jail.
Warrants and Ongoing Investigation
A warrant for Brian McCurry’s arrest has been issued, and investigators are continuing efforts to locate him.
Charges
Jackson and Johnson:
- Controlled Substance – Dealing
- Neglect of a Dependent
- Conspiracy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Maintaining a Common Nuisance
Minton:
- Three Counts of Controlled Substance – Dealing
- Maintaining a Common Nuisance
- Family Offense – Neglect of a Dependent
- Conspiracy
Conner:
- Two Counts of Controlled Substance Dealing
- Conspiracy
- Maintaining a Common Nuisance
What are your thoughts on this large-scale drug bust in Evansville? Should authorities increase monitoring of synthetic drug manufacturing in the area? Share your views in the comments below.
