A DOZEN SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN DRUG RING

Hammond, IN -- Twelve people have been arrested in connection with a drug
ring based in northwestern Indiana, including a Gary police officer accused
of shaking down dealers for drugs and money.

Officer Luis Roman, 36, is among those being charged.

A 70 page federal court affidavit lists a plethora of allegations. It
includes allegations that they stashed hundreds of thousands of dollars and
an unknown amount of cocaine in their cars, business and homes, ran drug
distribution and sales through two used car lots; and laundered money
through the casino boats by pumping money into $5 and higher slot machines.

The affidavit claims Jay "JaJo" Zambrana, owner of Ultimate Motor Sales in
Gary, and Carlo Ripoll, owner of Blue Ribbon Motors in Hammond, used their
businesses as distribution centers for the drugs.

U.S. Attorney David Capp would not comment on the allegations or clarify
how the defendants allegedly laundered money through slot machines.

At least three Gary police officers besides Roman are mentioned in the
affidavit, though none have been charged.

Roman, 36, a five year veteran of the department, is charged with
conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

Police Chief John Roby said he is seeking Roman's termination based on
information that the officer has been living out of state.

The suspects are all in custody at Metropolitan Correctional Center in
Chicago.

Investigation into the drug ring, which primarily involved cocaine and
heroin, began in September 1997, and was conducted by a task force of
federal, state and local police agencies.