U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler announced Dec. 7 that Fishers resident Joachim Van Buren has been charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of prohibited person (felon) in possession of a firearm.
Law enforcement officers confiscated 50-plus grams of methamphetamine, 100-plus grams of heroin and approximately $31,115 in cash from Van Buren’s Fishers home. They also confiscated one Springfield Armory .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun, one Colt .25-caliber semi-automatic handgun, one Ruger .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun and ammunition.
Van Buren has a prior second-degree felony in Hidalgo County, Texas. That felony occurred in 2010 and was for possession of more than 50 pounds of marijuana but less than 2,000 pounds.
If found guilty, Van Buren, 50, could face 10 years to life in prison.
“The government is intentionally focusing its resources on the opioid epidemic and holding traffickers accountable,” Minkler stated in a press release. “This case represents collaborative enforcement efforts in this regard and sends an important message to the community that federal agents are working in partnership with local law enforcement to bring violators to justice.”
