Drug charges filed against Northwest Indiana cop - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

Drug charges filed against Northwest Indiana cop

A Lake County (Ind.) Sheriff's officer is facing drug charges after a search of his apartment and car turned up rock cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a variety of prescription medication.

Gary Pilipovich, 29, was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

He could face more charges stemming from another raid last week at his Portage, Ind., apartment that turned up an anabolic steroid lab, police said.

After the first raid, the apartment complex management sought to evict Pilipovich. Police were present Tuesday when he was removed and found the drugs, plus guns and knives that they confiscated.

Among the prescription pills discovered were hydrocodone-acetaminophen (known by the name Vicodin), amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (known by the name Adderall) and alprazolam (known by the name Xanax).

The June 8 raid came when apartment management called police after a worker who had gone into the apartment to evaluate mold complaints by Pilipovich found the apparent steroid lab.

Sheriff John Buncich said he suspended Pilipovich on Thursday morning, taking his gun and badge. Buncich confirmed Pilipovich has been on sick leave for cancer treatment.