A federal indictment has charged 12 suspects in connection with an alleged central Indiana drug trafficking organization that authorities say was directed by an inmate operating from inside prison.

Alleged Prison-Directed Operation

The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges the operation distributed large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and other controlled substances throughout the Indianapolis region and surrounding communities.

According to the indictment, the organization was allegedly coordinated by 37-year-old Justin Veal, an inmate housed at Westville Correctional Facility. Investigators say Veal directed drug distribution activity from inside the facility.

Authorities allege Veal’s network was responsible for distributing “hundreds of pounds” of narcotics across the southern half of Indiana. The indictment states the organization moved methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, Suboxone and synthetic cannabis, also known as “spice.”

Alleged Distribution Network

Court documents allege that, at Veal’s direction, suspects including Sade Butler of Indianapolis and Shawnlisa Nevels of Fort Wayne obtained and distributed controlled substances.

Investigators say drugs were then allegedly sold across multiple Indiana communities.

Seizures and Charges

Law enforcement officials say a series of seizures occurred during the investigation into the alleged trafficking organization.

The federal indictment lists 12 defendants and charges, including Justin Veal, Sade Butler, and Shawnlisa Nevels.

Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.