Several drug arrests following investigation

The St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit concluded a year-long investigation this week that resulted in the arrest of six people at locations in the Constantine area and White Pigeon.
Sheriff’s officials said a follow-up on tips related to suspected drug activity resulted in the execution of a search warrant at a residence in the 14000 block of Riverside Drive in Constantine Township.
The search warrant was secured Tuesday after a vehicle leaving the residence was stopped. Deputies arrested Rickey Knotts, 52, of White Pigeon; Robert Holcomb 45, of Constantine; and Valurie Mettler, 32, of Burr Oak. They were each charged with possession of methamphetamine.
Knotts and Holcomb were additionally charged with possession of meth with intent to deliver, possession of a stolen firearm and felony firearm. Holcomb was also charged with maintaining a drug house. Meanwhile, Knotts was charged separately with frequenting a drug house and he was wanted on a warrant for absconding.
Between the traffic stop and search warrant, SCAN members seized four ounces of meth, two stolen firearms and items used for the use and distribution of meth.
Recovery of the stolen firearms led to the subsequent execution of a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of East Chicago Road in White Pigeon. Three White Pigeon residents, 44- and 30-year-old men and a 30-year-old woman, were charged with offenses ranging from possession of meth with intent to deliver, felony firearm, selling a stolen firearm, maintaining a drug house and manufacturing marijuana, to possession of marijuana, frequenting a drug house, attempting to destroy evidence and possession of synthetic marijuana with intent to deliver.
Investigators said this week’s incident marks the second time in four months they have made drug-related arrests at the White Pigeon address.