Authorities make arrests in Columbus East drug ring
The Bartholomew County Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team arrested a man believed to be involved in the sale of drugs at Columbus East High School.
24-year-old Papa M. Sylla of Columbus, was arrested Thursday. The investigation began after school resource officers received a tip about Sylla using a student to sell marijuana and THC vape cartridges at the school. The student has also been taken into custody.
Members of the Columbus and Bartholomew County SWAT team raided Sylla’s apartment in the 2300 block of Sycamore Street at about 3:15 Thursday afternoon, recovering drugs and currency. That included marijuana, THC vape cartridges, psychedelic mushrooms, cocaine, and more than $20,000.
Sylla is facing preliminary charges of dealing in and possessing cocaine, marijuana and a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a common nuisance.
Sylla was already out on bond following an October arrest for dealing marijuana.
Also assisting at the scene were officers from the CPD Intelligence Led Policing Unit, Columbus Police Department K-9 Division, as well as the Bartholomew County Sheriffs Department.
The Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team is a combined unit of the Bartholomew County Sheriffs Office, the Columbus Police Department and the Bartholomew County Prosecutors Office targeting the manufacturing and abuse of dangerous drugs in Columbus and Bartholomew County.
