Domestic dispute uncovers indoor marijuana grow and meth lab

Loogootee — Officers responded to a domestic dispute early Saturday morning and uncovered an indoor marijuana grow and methamphetamine lab.

Indiana State Trooper Andrew Beaver responded to 305 Bloomfield Road residence with the Loogootee Police Department at about 12:23 a.m. for the report of a domestic.

Officers assisted in resolving the dispute between the couple who agreed to separate for the night.

Shortly after leaving, officers received information that the homeowner of the residence, Edward R. McCloskey, 56, was cultivating marijuana in the basement. Trooper Beaver, Loogootee Officer Steve Nolan, and Martin County Deputy Joshua Greene filed for a search warrant for the residence through the Martin County Prosecutor’s Office. The warrant was granted for the residence, and officers began searching around 6:00 this morning.

Officers located 30 marijuana plants growing in the basement, as well as a methamphetamine lab, precursors to manufacture methamphetamine, and other drug paraphernalia throughout the house. Officers contacted the Indiana State Police Marijuana Eradication Unit and the Methamphetamine Suppression Section to remove the plants and safely dismantle the methamphetamine lab.

McCloskey was charged with Level 5 felony possession of methamphetamine, Level 5 felony dealing methamphetamine, Level 6 felony manufacturing methamphetamine, Level 6 felony possession of two or more precursors, and Class B misdemeanor possession of marijuana, cultivation of marijuana, and maintaining common nuisance. McCloskey was lodged in the Martin County Jail.