Two busted for dealing drugs, suspected of supplying fentanyl in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Two people were arrested Monday on felony drug dealing charges. The investigation involved the Columbus Police Department (CPD) Intelligence-Led Policing Unit (ILP), the Bartholomew County Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team, as well as CPD uniform patrol officers.

Investigators believe that the two suspects arrested, who were described as ILP repeat offenders, were allegedly responsible for supplying a large amount of fentanyl to the Columbus area.

At about 12:30 p.m., CPD stopped a car near US 31 and Hawcreek Boulevard that was occupied by Dante R. Gooch, 35, and Kylia D. Turner, 32, both of Indianapolis. A short time later, a police service dog supposedly alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle, according to police.

Officers searched the car and allegedly found marijuana, digital scales, numerous plastic bags, plus Suboxone pills on Gooch and counterfeit $100 bills inside Turner’s purse, according to law enforcement. Both Gooch and Turner were placed under arrest and transported to Bartholomew County Jail (BCJ).

When the suspects arrived at BCJ, Turner allegedly refused to cooperate with jail book-in procedures including a search. Turner was transported to Columbus Regional Health (CRH) where two search warrants were obtained to search Turner. Nearly one ounce of heroin was later supposedly located that she had concealed in her body, per CPD.

Gooch was preliminarily charged with dealing in a Narcotic Drug (Level 2 Felony), possession of a Narcotic Drug (Level 3 Felony), possession of a Controlled Substance (Class A Misdemeanor), possession of Marijuana (Class C Misdemeanor), Operating Without Receiving a License (Class C Misdemeanor), Band a Bartholomew County Warrant.

Turner faces preliminary charges of dealing in a Narcotic Drug (Level 2 Felony), possession of a Narcotic Drug (Level 3 Felony), Obstruction of Justice (Level 6 Felony), Counterfeiting (Level 6 Felony), possession of a Controlled Substance (Class A Misdemeanor), and possession of Marijuana (Class B Misdemeanor).