Law enforcement, public must work together

So what is law enforcement in the region facing this year? Well, drugs, gangs and increased senseless violence come to mind.

Area's street drugs are international, hyperlocal

Mexican cartels are exporting drugs to Northwest Indiana's streets, but the violence surrounding it is all made in the U.S.A., according to law enforcement officials.

Griffith police punctuate message to dealers with drug raid

GRIFFITH | Griffith's interim police chief sent a message as loud as a flashbang grenade early Thursday to drug dealers he believes are using his town as a "safe haven" for their illegal trade.

Local police department participate in drug take-back Saturday

Several local police departments will participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration's National prescription Drug Take-Back Day Saturday.

Hobart police to participate in prescription drug take-back event Saturday

HOBART | The Hobart Police Department will be participating in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Shots fired at officer, police focus on Gary homicide during sweep operation

GARY | A sweep of northern Lake County communities Friday night quickly turned toward the city of Gary when a 19-year-old was gunned down in front of his home.

Police: 2 arrested after cops broke up apparent drug deal in Michigan City

MICHIGAN CITY | Two men were arrested Thursday night after local and federal officials interrupted what looked like a drug deal, police said.

Ex-DEA agent drops sexual orientation bias lawsuit

HAMMOND | A former local DEA agent agreed to dismiss a federal lawsuit Tuesday after alleging she was fired due to her sexual orientation, court documents state.

Merrillville doctor's former employee sentenced in prescription drug sale case

HAMMOND | A former employee of a Merrillville doctor was sentenced Friday to nearly 3 1/2 years in federal prison for illegally selling prescription pain medication.

Warrant sweep nets about 25 alleged criminals

MICHIGAN CITY | Hiawatha Wright didn't struggle as he was arrested on a warrant for three counts of allegedly dealing cocaine.

Indiana State Police, DEA to collect prescription drugs

The Indiana State Police in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration will be collecting prescription drugs as part of the second annual National Take Back Initiative.

Civil rights claim in Merrillville-based gang leader's death dropped

HAMMOND | A federal judge threw out part of a lawsuit Monday regarding a Merrillville-based gang leader killed in 2007 by a federal agent.

Prescription drug drop-off box installed at police station

PORTAGE | A prescription drug drop-off box has been installed in the lobby of the Portage Police Department.

Hobart police intend strong enforcement on 'fake pot' ban

Hobart police Patrol Cmdr. Rick Zormier isn't going to cut slack to anyone caught distributing, selling or in possession of synthetic marijuana.

Veteran Hobart police officer cheers ban on synthetic marijuana

Veteran Hobart police officer Paul Peters has witnessed firsthand the dangerous effects of synthetic marijuana on teens.

Investigation: U.S. missed warnings on terrorist suspect

CHICAGO | A recent investigation of the relationship between government authorities and former Chicago drug dealer and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration informant David C. Headley -- a central figure in the plotting of the 2008 attacks in Mumbai -- has found that intelligence agencies dep…