Two people arrested following drug investigation

Following a long investigation, two people have been arrested. Chief Billy Jones of the Richland Center Police Department reports that a several months long investigation in Richland County has culminated in the arrest of Joshua Clark, 42 of rural Richland County and Abigail Anderson, 32 of rural Richland County, for various drug related charges.  

Thursday (April 10) members of the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force (RIG DTF), Richland Center Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, executed a search warrant in northern Richland County. The search warrant was obtained through an investigation into Clark for the sale and distribution of illegal substances such as Dimethyltryptamine (a Schedule I drug) also known as DMT, and Ketamine (a Schedule III drug). Throughout the investigation, investigators learned that Clark was buying illegal substances online and having them mailed to his residence; therefore, the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force then alerted the United States Postal Inspection Service.  

As a result, Joshua Clark and Abigail Anderson were taken to the Richland County Jail and charges have been referred to the Richland County District Attorney’s office. Clark faces charges for Delivery of Ketamine, Delivery of DMT, Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, Possession of LSD, Maintaining a Drug Dwelling, Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Anderson faces charges for Possession of Ketamine, Maintaining a Drug Dwelling, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  

Chief Jones states that while the drugs involved in this case aren’t as commonly known to most individuals, it is important to know that the substances involved in this case were contained in common devices such as vape cartridges. The community needs to remain vigilant in drug awareness as many of these drugs could be hidden in items we see and use every day. 

Chief Jones added that keeping the greater Richland County community safe is an essential role for local law enforcement and would like to remind citizens to report any suspicious activity. Callers can remain anonymous by calling Richland County Crime Stoppers at 647-CLUE (2583) and may be eligible for a cash reward.

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