Full Notification

Hancock County – A Henry County man was arrested early this morning in Hancock County for the second time in less than a month for manufacturing Spice, or synthetic marijuana. John C. Abner, age 31 of New Castle, was arrested shortly after 5 a.m. after members of the Pendleton District Meth Suppression Unit served a search warrant at a home and property located at 3626 E. 400 South in Hancock County.

The investigation began last evening after officers from multiple agencies responded to the property for an unrelated domestic dispute. Further investigation led officers to obtain a search warrant for the property where they located over two pounds of Spice and a Spice lab early this morning.

Abner is facing charges of Manufacturing a Synthetic Drug with the Intent to Deliver, a Level Six Felony, Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Level Six Felony and Possession of Paraphernalia, Class “A” Misdemeanor. Abner, who was lodged in the Hancock County Jail, is also facing similar charges in Henry County after being arrested on July 23rd in New Castle for Spice.

Meth Suppression Troopers were assisted in their investigation by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office as well as Shirley K-9 Officer Brian Pryor, and his partner Huron. Officers advise that the manufacture of Spice is hazardous due to the highly flammable nature of the items used.

A strong odor often associated with potpourri is emitted during the manufacture of Spice. Anyone with information about illegal drug use may call the Pendleton Post at 1-800-527-4752, or the Indiana State Police Drug Tip Line at 1-800-453-4756. The Indiana Meth Investigation System or IMIS, can also take tips. Just go to www.meth.in.gov and click on the “Report Suspected Meth Activity” Link. Tips can be made and kept anonymous.

All Suspects Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law