biggest drug bust in new orleans

1957(a) by purchasing and then developing these seven real estate properties with profits generated from his cocaine sales. It is sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It will end because we are never going to stop going after these people.". "We were able to intercept some conversations among the police officers who were on the protection detail . He said police believe Reynolds and Coronado distributed to Kenner street-level drug dealers and he hopes the arrests will have an effect on drug activity. Then, authorities discovered how the suspect got all those drugs via a 600-foot tunnel that crossed the border to Mexico. For all of the caution exercised by Davis and the other suspects, the officers sometimes acted with a bravado that shocked federal authorities. You have permission to edit this article. The warehouse protection was run almost like a paid detail - a moonlighting job like the kind many officers hold - except the pay scale was much higher than the usual $15 an hour, authorities said. "This arrest was very sizeable.". Sting Operations - Drug Busts | Cops TV Show COPSTV 645K subscribers Subscribe 2.8K Share 172K views 8 months ago Watch our officers going undercover as drug dealers to clean up the streets. So far this year, there have been six. Local. Part of Audacy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and is a synthetic opioid that is approved for treating severe pain but can often be diverted for abuse and misuse. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Theres no number, and when you look at the number of overdoses when you look at the amount of criminal activity involved with this, you know there is no specific number, but I can tell you its immeasurable and one life is too much, Davis said. Authorities seized 46 pounds of pot and $300,000 in cash in 2014 during a big bust in the smallest state in America. Neel has been charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and is being held in jail on a $3,000 bond. - A covert narcotics investigation in New Orleans that took years to develop has paid off for police. Criminal drug networks in Mexico are mass-producing illicit fentanyl and fake pills pressed with fentanyl in filthy, clandestine, unregulated labs, the DEA warned in their statement. For years, police say, citizens continued to call Crimestoppers and the 5th District station to complain about drug dealing at the intersection of North Tonti and Almonaster. And were here to tell you that were not sleeping. Each faces up to life in prison, while Davis could face the death penalty in connection with Groves' murder. by | Jun 5, 2022 | sundowner low pro trailers for sale | philly restaurant week 2022 | Jun 5, 2022 | sundowner low pro trailers for sale | philly restaurant week 2022 Its going to take all of us for us to rip these drugs out of our communities, Davis said. Heroin is responsible for . Drug smuggling isnt a very wholesome father and son activity, but here we are. "One in law enforcement may consider that a gift from heaven. The DEA, however, has been getting more successful year on year at stopping and seizing drug shipments. New Orleans continues to be a heroin source city for Southeast Louisiana and Southern Mississippi. This isnt a comprehensive list of the biggest drug busts, but it gives you an idea of how much money is at stake. Real cocaine - more than 130 kilos - was used throughout the sting, as was real money, $97,000 of which was distributed to officers in payments as large as $6,000. When you see a little small city, like New Roads with this, we got a problem, District Attorney Tony Clayton said. A locked padlock Before him on a table were almost 9 pounds of marijuana, 7.5 grams of crack cocaine, almost $7,500 in cash, a scale used to weigh drugs and plastic bags used to package them. Led by Davis, the officers proceeded cautiously at first, suspecting a possible set-up by authorities, Jordan said. When the main players had their cases go to trial, the warehouse owner received a life sentence, according to the Los Angeles Times. One hour away from New Orleans, and one hour away from Baton Rouge. Hfrk3Q+uY`!fSl^SrWJ|gmx1~3&`jnh\"h,o-Q !1 The city's economy has sputtered over the past generation partly because local and state officials have failed to do the most elementary job of government: to secure the personal safety of citizens. Next: The biggest bust this city has ever seen. He and his Medellin cartel cohorts made an estimated $420 million each weeksupplying 80% of the cocaine in the United States in the 1980s. . The deceptive marketing coupled with the ease of accessibility makes these small and seemingly innocuous pills a significant threat to the health and safety of all our communities. Acting on a tip, authorities searched a house and discovered nearly 18,000 pounds of wrapped cocaine estimated to be worth $1 billion. She later admitted that the suspected dope belonged to her after being read her rights. "The police officers did the same, and this was captured on videotape.". In April, when agents set up a drug warehouse at 420 Franklin Ave. and asked for around-the-clock police guards, Davis said he would have to "to bring in other officers to help, " Gallagher said. DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerly said the investigation started over a year ago. It is often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine as a combination product -- with or without the users knowledge -- to increase its euphoric effects.. The investigation remains ongoing. Vickie M. Watson, 61, of Kentucky, was arrested during the stop and charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances, and a number of traffic violations. The Government and WILLIAMS have agreed that WILLIAMS was responsible for possessing with intent to distribute between 50 kilograms and 150 kilograms of cocaine. Michael Perlstein and Walt Philbin wrote this report. What surprised authorities most, however, was the ease at which new officers were brought into the sting. In 1991, police officers seized 59 boxes containing 1080 pounds of Heroin, with a street value ranging from $2.7 billion to $4 billion. When questioned by police, Rolland told the officers that the bag didn't belong to her and she didn't know where the drugs came from. That led authorities to a house in Lawrenceville, Georgia, where they seized $2 million worth of heroin as well as methamphetamines, a stockpile of cash, and an AK-47. This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). Doing business as GO GET IT ENTERPRISES, LLC, a Louisiana-based company, WILLIAMS laundered the proceeds of his drug dealing operations in violation of 18 U.S.C. Following the advisement of his Miranda Rights, which he waived, WILLIAMS provided verbal and written consent to search his Stash House and home. Many of them are believed to be part of a gang known as the 89er's or T-Blocc. Well, the Drug Enforcement Agency aided the Edmonton police force as it made itslargest cash seizure to that point. All three are facing several narcotic charges, including conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of meth. Mitchel Maddux. In what is being called the largest case of police corruption in the city's history, nine New Orleans officers were charged in federal court Wednesday with accepting nearly $100,000 in bribes to protect a large-scale cocaine operation run by undercover FBI agents. That cellular telephone was used to monitor a lot of the details associated with protection of the warehouse.". are spent on heroin than any other drug. NOPD, FBI bust major N.O. The greater Los Angeles area has many international airports, freeways, and bus and train lines that make it easy for shipments to be smuggled to other destinations. Friday's announcement is one of several recent efforts to crack down on suspected gang members. All the smaller busts weve discussed so far happened in the 21st century, and were guessing its because the kingpins and cartels got tired of all the mammoth seizures late in the 20th century. Watson's bond is currently set at $3,100,000, according to KATC. Gallagher said the yearlong investigation involved more than 60 federal agents from across the country and was conducted with utmost secrecy. Massive drug ring operated out of lavish lakeside home in Baton Rouge for years. These are situations that put the staff potentially at risk because some of them are very violent. (BRPROUD) - Three men are . Appointed in October, he acknowledged that he inherited a department riddled with corruption and vowed to weed out bad officers through aggressive internal investigations. Davis has been in custody since Monday, when he was charged with ordering the murder of Kim Groves near her Alabo Street home. Among their charges were conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 500 grams or more of a mixture containing meth. Which Politicians Had Terrible Diseases Like John McCain. NEW ORLEANS, LA - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that DORIAN WILLIAMS, age 47, of Gretna, Louisiana, pled guilty to possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and engaging in money laundering of profits from his drug trafficking. hXmo8+"HX1Elk#6QYJT_3K`o"r8/saL'"c?$14"$FLXPBXq#,TZ|! j\6JB1"A ~GD The DEA offices in Los Angeles seized approximately three million fentanyl pills in 2021 -- close to three times the amount seized in 2020. NEW ROADS, La. The NOPD released surveillance pictures Friday. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. Nearly a quarter 22% . In July, Ashley Rolland of West Monroe was arrested on charges of felony theft and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. In October 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced one of the largest drug busts in history. When will this end? Ill say to you that this is mid-level cities type of drug drugs. A subsequent cavity search by an officer turned up $6,233, and a clear bag of containing one gram of meth secreted within Rolland's vagina. ", Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. Forget talking about just drug dealers, Pablo Escobar is one of the richest criminals who ever lived. So, while a 1984 raid in Colombia (with the help of the DEA) seizing 13.8 metric tons of cocaine worth $1.2 billion represents one of the biggest drug busts in U.S. history, that was just a good month for Escobars clan. "The undercover agent was very clever, however, and stripped before the police officers to show that he was not wired at the time, " Jordan said. Feds bust 127 in biggest mob sweep in US history (video) By. Rhode Island has some of the loosest marijuana laws in the country, but you avoid trouble only when you have a little bit. In six months, agents out of the New Orleans DEA office made 411 arrests and seized 723 pounds of the drug and $4 million in cash and other assets, including 23 guns. WILLIAMS sold six of these seven properties for a profit. Weve been on the case this whole time.. Next: Proof that you cant hide anything from the authorities. During the investigation, Strasser said authorities recovered 85 pounds of meth, more than 20 pounds of cocaine and 18 AK-47s. In The Pharmacist, Dan recalls his own home being destroyed, with the exception being his recordings and files that were kept in the attic. ,8N;?Z,w]pIaw^;QJa1'FDQ9D$q woman accused of using aunts debit card for 136 DoorDash orders held on preset $18 million bond. United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo will sentence WILLIAMS on August 11, 2021. Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborate to make largest drug bust in Pointe Coupee history. Next: Lets head down the coast for No. Local and federal agencies said they worked together to make 18 arrests and secure nine indictments for individuals in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized approximately one million pills laced with fentanyl allegedly linked to the Sinaloa Cartel in what authorities say is the biggest bust for the drug in California history. U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Louisiana, Gretna Resident Pleads Guilty to Possessing 66 Kilograms of Cocaine and $3.9 Million In Drug Proceeds Seized at His Stash House and Home, williams_dorian_factual_basis_redacted.pdf, Santa Rosa Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Possession of Child Pornography and Manufacturing Methamphetamine on Tohono Oodham Nation, Terrebonne Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Violations of the Controlled Substances Act, Mexican drug trafficker sentenced to 14 years in federal prison, Gretna Resident Pleads Guilty To Possessing 66 Kilograms of Cocaine and $3.9 Million In Drug Proceeds Seized At His Stash House and Home. You will see that in every parish were dealing with the harmful effects of these drugs, Pointe Coupee Sheriff Rene Thibodeaux said. "There were a number of other police officers who were ready and prepared to go forward with playing a role in protecting the cocaine in this undercover operation. These fake pills typically replicate real prescription opioid medications such as oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and alprazolam (Xanax); or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall).. Special Agent Roberto Bryan, a spokesman for the DEA's New Orleans division, told NOLA.com that the division executed 10 search warrants and seized a "large quantity of synthetic marijuana . Mayor Marc Morial answered questions about the indictments Wednesday, saying that "cavalier" cops would not be tolerated by his administration. Two men described as violent drug traffickers - Paul "Cool" Hardy and Damon Causey - have been charged in the Oct. 13 murder. January 21, 2011 5:00am. According to an NOPD report, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crime Task Force began receiving information about drug activity at the intersection of Tupelo Street and North Claiborne Avenue. "We put everyone on notice today. "When later asked why, (they said) it was to impress the drug dealer to show them that, in fact, they were the NOPD and could produce on their offer of protection.". The drug trafficking organization was responsible for the distribution of heroin and other controlled dangerous substances in St. Tammany Parish, Orleans Parish and in south Mississippi. According to LSP, officials seized approximately 18.6 pounds of heroin; approximately 1.2 pounds of cocaine; approximately 1.2 pounds of methamphetamine; approximately 4.4 approximately of marijuana; approximately 25 grams of pressed pills; and approximately 1.4 pounds of synthetic marijuana. In addition, according to court documents, from on or about February 20, 2019 through on or about February 17, 2020, WILLIAMS used approximately $667,500 in proceeds from his cocaine trafficking to purchase seven real estate properties in New Orleans. j"0C0ed German, Belgian, and Dutch authorities working in concert completed what they are calling Europe's largest cocaine seizure and one of . The operation involved around 80 investigators from nine . We preempted those acts of violence with suggestions to people that they may not want to stay in a particular location.". Drug smuggling knows no age, and this August 2018 bust is proof. There were seven overdose deaths last year in Pointe Coupee Parish. 1097 0 obj <>stream According to court documents, Drug Enforcement Administration agents from the New Orleans Field Division identified WILLIAMS in early 2020 as a supplier of kilogram quantities of cocaine to other drug dealers in the New Orleans metropolitan area. All rights reserved. Two mid-level drug dealers were arrested and a "substantial" amount of drugs seized after Kenner narcotics officers busted the two in their house, Kenner Police Chief Steve Caraway said today. 0W[AscR Two 29-year-old men from Gray, Louisiana -- Hakeam Drane and Spencer Rounds, Jr. -- along with 28-year-old Larry Chatman of Thibodeaux, were charged on May 20, in a four-count indictment by a federal grand jury. Nebraska might not be among the states with the most opioid abuse, but apparently, its a way station along the route to those places. The seizure happened earlier this month in Inglewood, California, after the DEAs Los Angeles Field Division High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Group 48, along with the DEA New York Division Tactical Diversion Squad and Hawthorne Police Department, had been investigating a Los Angeles-area drug trafficking organization since May that authorities believed was linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. The biggest drug busts in U.S. history seized billions of dollars worth of narcotics. The street value of the drugs is about $1 million, according to Byerly. After the killing was officially logged as a murder by police, Davis and Williams were overheard celebrating the murder with Hardy, they said. Eastern District of Louisiana Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. The telephone also was used to monitor the telephone calls in which Davis allegedly ordered Groves' murder. Authorities subsequently obtained a federal search warrant and executed the drug bust on July 5 at a residence in Inglewood which resulted in the seizure of approximately one million fake pills laced with fentanyl that were intended for retail distribution with an estimated street value of between $15 to $20 million. The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force says Xavier . The NOPD says 15 people were . After the devastation left behind by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, OxyContin became an even bigger problem in New Orleans. The conversations simply did not alert us to what would occur. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy. P:. According to LSP, the investigation began in December 2021 with allegations that Elie Edwards, 43, of New Roads, was selling heroin and methamphetamine in Pointe Coupee Parish. Well, a 2011 raid in San Diego originated the idea. 14 tons of. From Wall Street to the underworld, if theres one thing weve learned its that crime pays and pays big. Major drug bust in local parishes related to Mexican drug cartel, prosecutors say, La. 24 of the biggest Tulsa-area drug busts since 2014. biggest drug bust in new orleans - bullies2buddies.com Largest Heroin Drug Bust In Baton Rouge Credited To K-9 (WAFB . 1 on the countdown. You have permission to edit this article. New Orleans, La. 5 on the list to read about the U.S. Coast Guards big bust in 2007. Read more: Which Politicians Had Terrible Diseases Like John McCain? We know what youre thinking Canada isnt the United States, so how come it shows up on our countdown? The investigation and bust were carried out on a decree from the Naples public prosecutor, the statement added. "The police officers, not the FBI, brought in all of these bad, corrupt cops.". Next: The U.S. helps with an international drug bust. LOS ANGELES (AP) The largest illegal marijuana bust in Los Angeles County history which netted 373,000 plants that would ultimately have been worth $1 billion on the street eradicated only a fraction of the illicit grows in the Southern California high desert, authorities said Wednesday. Published Nov. 1, 2022 12:46 p.m. PDT. "For continued safety of the FBI undercover agents and because of the need to allow the New Orleans Police Department to remove from its ranks a criminal element, I ordered an end to the FBI undercover operation, " he said. According to the DEA, Los Angeles is a major transport and shipment hub for illegal drugs coming from the U.S.-Mexico border and are often stored in warehouses, storage units and residential properties in the region. . that they were contemplating ripping off the couriers. "They don't want to be rehabilitated. The Mindat Manual Add a New Photo Rate Photos Locality Edit Report Coordinate Completion Report Add Glossary Item. Investigators said they confiscated heroin, cocaine, meth, pressed pills, marijuana, and synthetic marijuana worth $600,000. Elie Edwards, 43, of New Roads, is charged with Attempt and Conspiracy-Distribution of Heroin, Methamphetamine, Marijuana/ Synthetic Cannabinoids, Cocaine, Schedule IV, Distribution/ Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Distribution/ Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS - Methamphetamine, Distribution/Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, or Synthetic Cannabinoids, Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms, Possession of Firearm or Carrying Concealed Weapon by a Person Convicted or Certain Felonies, David Hayes, 42, of New Roads, is charged with Attempt and Conspiracy, Distribution/ Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Prohibited Acts-Schedule II, and Prohibited Acts-Schedule IV, Shannon Labatut, 43, of New Roads, is charged with Attempt and Conspiracy-Distribution of Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Marijuana/ Synthetic Cannabinoids, Distribution/ Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids, Distribution/ Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Jerlanda Foster, 31, of New Roads, is charged with Attempt and Conspiracy, Loretta Dobard, 53, of New Roads, is charged with Attempt and Conspiracy, Malfeasance in Office, Mary Victorian, 36, of New Roads, is charged with Attempt and Conspiracy, Transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, William Tynes, 61, of Ethel, is charged with Distribution/ Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotic Drugs Listed in Schedule 1, and Prohibited Acts-Schedule IV, Penalties, Bryan Francois, 32, of New Roads, is charged with Attempt and Conspiracy- Distribution/ Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II CDS, Darrel Harris, 30, of New Roads, is charged with Attempt and Conspiracy- Distribution/ Possession with intent to distribute Schedule 1 and Schedule II, Joshua Gustin, 41, of Ventress, is charged with Attempt and Conspiracy- Distribution/Possession with intent to distribute Schedule 1 and Schedule II (CDS) Felony, Leighann Kirby, 34, of Jarreau, is charged with Attempt and Conspiracy- Prohibited Acts-Schedule II, and Obstruction of Justice-Evidence Tampering, Michael A Edwards, 40, of New Roads, is charged with Attempt and Conspiracy to Distribution of Schedule II CDS, LSU WR Malik Nabers arrested in New Orleans; prosecutors refuse to charge with condition, Charges upgraded for suspect arrested in deadly shooting, police say, Health experts, former athletes respond to NCAAs proposal to reduce game time and plays. Ronal Serpas says this investigation is the result of good police work and concerned citizens who refused to let drug dealers take over their neighborhood. "Concerned citizens" passed on the tip about Reynolds and Coronado, who were the only people living in the single-story house on Connecticut Avenue. The suspect, Candyce Neel, 41, was found hiding behind her apartment building after a search of the residence was completed. Jordan, at a news conference with Gallagher and Police Superintendent Richard Pennington, said more indictments could follow in the coming weeks. One of the biggest drug busts ever in Atlanta happened in 2012, and it remains one of the largest in U.S. history. At various times, the police officers conducted counter-surveillance of the undercover agents. A 2017 study of death certificate data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that the state had suffered 24.5 deaths per 100,000 residents, making it the 33rd most deadly state for drug overdose deaths. Drug trafficking is probably the most lucrative illegal money maker, which the richest drug dealers of all time can attest to. Through the investigation, officials identified numerous members of a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) with Edwards as its leader. Kingpins can make billions when their drugs hit the street, but the authorities do their best to prevent that from happening. Twelve suspected drug dealers believed to be part of a large drug ring are locked up after a joint investigation. The NOPD says 15 people were arrested. }N|Q ~#'~B# ~CY0t:_=SuLGk*|"-3]$SfwrAgm* L This investigation into the drug trafficking organization is ongoing. As part of his guilty plea, WILLIAMS agreed to forfeit nearly $5 million in drug proceeds, real estate properties in New Orleans purchased with drug proceeds, and two cars. LAFAYETTE, La. Largest Settlements: Place Population; Le Pont-de-Claix: 11,963 (2016) Other Languages: View 78 more. They chose to be drug dealers, they chose to be gun-toters, they chose to put children at risk. Agents also identified multiple addresses associated with WILLIAMS in the Jefferson Parish, Louisiana area. Ff Pennington said he immediately suspended the nine officers. Roughly enough Heroin to supply an estimated 500,000 heroin users for a month. Handy was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation S.W.A.T. A Louisiana man was sentenced Friday to 19 years in federal prison and five years supervised release for his leadership role in a large-scale cocaine and marijuana drug trafficking organization. The investigation was launched in December 1993 when 5th District officers Len Davis and Sammie Williams began extorting bribes and offering protection to a drug dealer, said New Orleans FBI Commander Neil Gallagher. Meanwhile, he said, agents kept a close eye on Davis and were prepared to arrest him at "any time of the day or night. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. One of the biggest drug busts Alabamas ever seen featured a father and his 15-year old son towing 115 pounds of crystal meth worth $3 million through Baldwin County. An official website of the United States government. Chief Serpas says all of the people involved in this operation have a lengthy rap sheet. 2023 Audacy, Inc. All rights reserved. They say the drug dealers had no regard for children in the area or people who lived nearby. On November 19, 2020, agents conducted an investigatory stop on WILLIAMSs vehicle. "We're on a crusade. These fake pills are designed to look like real prescription pills right down to the size, shape, color and stamping. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A%@F~HeA~@bzj\)L!D94`; (d>AM3f 1 MESA, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) -- In the biggest drug bust recorded in Mesa Police Department history, officers uncovered over 700,000 fentanyl pills and more than 15 pounds of methamphetamine, heroin. That led to a decision to shut down the operation, even as agents were gathering evidence on additional officers. Agents conducted surveillance on two of these properties WILLIAMSs stash house (Stash House) and home, both in Gretna. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? The China white heroin recovered -- worth approximately $3 billion on the street -- was described, at the time, as the largest heroin bust in U.S. history, according to U.S. Customs. Police arrested 22 peopleand confiscated more than $700,000 in cash along with the drugs. Some of the narcotics found stashed on the lorries were hidden in children's juice boxes, police say. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, Hammond Police Department, New Orleans Police Department, and Slidell Police Department in investigating this matter.

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