An Indiana State Excise Police officer cited an Evansville restaurant and arrested its owner on drug charges Saturday evening.
La Cabana, 821 S. Green River Road in Evansville, was preliminarily cited for dealing in unauthorized beverages by purchasing alcohol from an unauthorized source and failing to maintain a high and fine reputation after an excise officer arrested the owner for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
The excise officer initially went to the restaurant around 8:50 p.m. Saturday to investigate information that the business may have been dealing in unauthorized beverages by purchasing alcohol from an unauthorized source.
As a result of the officer’s investigation, restaurant owner Lazaro Correa, 49, of Evansville, was arrested on preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia.
While speaking with Correa concerning receipts for alcoholic beverages, the officer went with Correa to his vehicle, where the restaurant owner said he had documents concerning the alcohol purchases. Not realizing that the officer could see him, Correa attempted to conceal a glass pipe and a plastic bag containing suspected methamphetamine on the floorboard of his car.
On July 20, 2013, La Cabana was cited for allowing carry-in of alcoholic beverages and violating the scope of the restaurant’s permit by purchasing alcohol from an unauthorized source. The restaurant paid a $500.00 fine.
On Jan. 20, 2010, La Cabana was cited for sale of alcohol to a minor. The restaurant paid a $500.00 fine.
On Aug. 20, 2008, La Cabana was cited for altering floor plans without approval, failure to maintain employee permit records and employing an unlicensed server. The restaurant paid a $300.00 fine.
Evansville Police Department officers assisted with this investigation.
As the enforcement division of the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, the primary mission of the Indiana State Excise Police is to promote public safety by enforcing Indiana’s Alcoholic Beverage Code. While excise officers have the authority to enforce any state law, they focus primarily on alcohol, tobacco and related laws.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
All respondents are to be presumed not liable until, and unless the plaintiff can prove by preponderance of the evidence the respondent’s liability in an administrative hearing.
