Two Columbus residents were arrested on drug charges Wednesday afternoon as authorities were about to serve a search warrant. Judy Jackson, spokeswoman for the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, says that at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team, Columbus/Bartholomew SWAT and members of the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force were about to execute the warrant at 3345 Westenedge Drive in Columbus, when the two suspects left the home. Investigators say the pair got into a vehicle and a traffic stop was initiated, but the driver refused to stop.

Authorities say that a short pursuit ensued before the vehicle was stopped by police in the area of Seventh and Central Avenue. The southbound lanes of Central Avenue were blocked between Seventh and 10th Streets until the scene was secured.

Jackson says that narcotics detectives obtained a search warrant for the vehicle, leading to the discovery of approximately five pounds of methamphetamine. One narcotics detective estimated the meth had a street value of $225,000. In addition, police allegedly found two guns and more than $4,000 in cash inside the vehicle.

Authorities arrested 38-year-old Jorge Huberto Chavez on a preliminary charge of Dealing in Methamphetamine. He is being held on $200,000 bond. Also arrested was 27-year-old Jacklyn Munoz. Police say that she is facing preliminary charges of Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Felon, Dealing in Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine, Maintaining a Common Nuisance and Resisting Law Enforcement. In addition, authorities say that Munoz was wanted on an outstanding warrant. She is being held without bond.

Sheriff Matt Myers says that he is pleased with these arrests. “Anytime we can stop five pounds of meth, or any other dangerous drug, from hitting our streets, it is a win for law enforcement and a win for our entire community.” He added, “With multiple agencies working together, pulling resources together, and working as a team, this is the type of result that you will see.”

Authorities say that this investigation is ongoing and that additional are possible.

The Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team is a combined unit of the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, the Columbus Police Department and the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office. Its mission is to proactively target the manufacturing and abuse of dangerous drugs in Columbus and Bartholomew County.