Drug raid in Portage nets eight arrests

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Updated: March 11, 2012 8:48AM

Eight people were arrested following a drug raid Wednesday afternoon at a Portage residence.

Around 3:08 p.m., the Portage Police SWAT team executed an arrest warrant on Durrand M. James at 6675 Palm St. James, who is on parole, was wanted on a warrant for possession of a firearm. He was arrested on Jan. 23 in Portage for driving while intoxicated and possession of a handgun without a permit. Police then learned that he was on parole for dealing drugs in Illinois, so he could not legally possess a firearm.

Police entered the house and saw several people, but not James. They found guns, ammunition, numerous pieces of drug paraphernalia, and a large amount of cash. Police obtained a search warrant, which allowed them to confiscate four guns, ammunition, heroin, crack cocaine, assorted pills, drug paraphernalia, multiple scales, $4,819 in cash and a drug ledger book.

Chesterton resident Erica Childress is charged with possession of a controlled substance, maintaining a common nuisance, possession of paraphernalia, and felon in possession of a firearm. Dave A. Swanson is charged with maintaining a common nuisance and possession of paraphernalia. Sara Landree is charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana. Valparaiso resident Leanne L. Shukitis, 38, and Chesterton resident James P. Shudick, 41, are charged with possession of paraphernalia and visiting a common nuisance. Chesterton resident Brent A. Keen, 34, and Brett Hasek are charged with visiting a common nuisance.

James was not at the residence during the raid, so he is still wanted on the warrant.