biggest drug bust in new orleans

Have a question about Government Services? Mitchel Maddux. The massive haul included 351kg of cocaine, 92kg of heroin and 250kg of Class-B drug cannabis. Cops probing the discovery of drugs worth 38million found concealed on lorries have arrested 19 Brits. 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. She later admitted that the suspected dope belonged to her after being read her rights. Were right off of the Highway 90 interchange, so that if youre moving drugs through, its quite easy to think that they could stop in a sleepy little parish. Agents also identified multiple addresses associated with WILLIAMS in the Jefferson Parish, Louisiana area. Just last week, the District Attorney's office issued indictments against 20 people in the "3NG" gang on charges including racketeering and murder. We're not going to tolerate it, " Morial said. "This is a sizeable arrest for us," Caraway said. "Concerned citizens" passed on the tip about Reynolds and Coronado, who were the only people living in the single-story house on Connecticut Avenue. Lafourche is conveniently [located] for a drug dealer," Hendrix said. Jesse Reynolds, 31, and Eddie "Primo" Coronado, 26, were arrested Thursday night at their home, 3813 Connecticut Ave. "The arrest is the result of a two-month undercover operation," Caraway said at a news conference at police headquarters. Strasser said the indictments began last November and the investigation started when a man was stopped by a state trooper, who found 24 pounds of meth in his possession. Investigators said they confiscated heroin, cocaine, meth, pressed pills, marijuana, and synthetic marijuana worth $600,000. A big break in the case came when Davis - described as the ringleader of the nine cops - asked for a cellular telephone to conduct business with the undercover agents. French: Le Pont-de-Claix, Grenoble, Isre, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, France. New Orleans Man Found Guilty of Drug and Weapons Violations NEW ORLEANS, LA - United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that DERRICK ESTES, age 42, of New Orleans, was found guilty as charged on September 21, 2022 after a two-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey. They were cryptic and they did not take on significance until compared with other events. This massive seizure disrupted the flow of dangerous amounts of fentanyl into our streets and probably saved many lives, said DEA Special Agent in Charge Bill Bodner. endstream endobj 1098 0 obj <>stream Two people are still wanted. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters, A Louisiana woman has been arrested after a tip led police to her apartment on suspicion of drug possession - and they subsequently found what they believed to be meth in a box in her home labeled "dope. - A covert narcotics investigation in New Orleans that took years to develop has paid off for police. Massive drug ring operated out of lavish lakeside home in Baton Rouge for years. Neel left the building without police officers speaking with her, according to the arrest report. A dozen people are facing charges after a months-long . A staggering number of teens and young adults are unaware that they are ingesting fentanyl in these fake pills and are being poisoned.. )` "We're on a crusade. Next: Where have we heard this one before? Next: The U.S. helps with an international drug bust. Investigators identified multiple armed subjects who they say were selling narcotics at this intersection. Largest Settlements: Place Population; Le Pont-de-Claix: 11,963 (2016) Other Languages: View 78 more. When the main players had their cases go to trial, the warehouse owner received a life sentence, according to the Los Angeles Times. Watson's bond is currently set at $3,100,000, according to KATC. . Next: Proof that you cant hide anything from the authorities. U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser said the defendants are charged with trafficking meth, heroin, cocaine and firearms. 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. This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). 1 on the countdown. Operation Crystal Shield involved 893 pounds of cocaine, 13 pounds of heroin, and around 2,224 pounds of methamphetamine, making it the biggest meth bust in U.S. history. . 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. Watch on. Lafourche Parish Special Narcotics Prosecutor Heather Hendrix explained these parishes were used as a thoroughfare both because of their proximity to major cities and their small size. Chief Serpas says 15 people were using that corner to sell drugs. A month of surveillance and a coordinated law enforcement effort produced one of the biggest drug busts weve ever seen. The Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain geographically divide this area. "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. April 9, 2021 7:48 am New Orleans Police and the FBI announce they've arrested of a heroin dealer in the Lower Ninth Ward. The investigation and bust were carried out on a decree from the Naples public prosecutor, the statement added. Appointed in October, he acknowledged that he inherited a department riddled with corruption and vowed to weed out bad officers through aggressive internal investigations. Seven of them are believed to be members of the 89er's gang. 66y% We preempted those acts of violence with suggestions to people that they may not want to stay in a particular location.". Police arrested 22 peopleand confiscated more than $700,000 in cash along with the drugs. New Orleans is a New York with nearly 5,000 murders a yearan unlivable place. On November 19, 2020, agents conducted an investigatory stop on WILLIAMSs vehicle. Authorities confirmed Edwards was distributing narcotics throughout the Pointe Coupee area, and on Thursday, Aug. 4, they executed multiple search warrants. 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. Next: Another 2018 raid is among the biggest drug busts ever. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. That cellular telephone was used to monitor a lot of the details associated with protection of the warehouse.". NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that yesterday, TATUM DARDAR, 26, from Terrebonne Parish, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent Cruz Lopez-Acevedo was sentenced to 14 years in prison. The Mindat Manual Add a New Photo Rate Photos Locality Edit Report Coordinate Completion Report Add Glossary Item. 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. They say the drug dealers had no regard for children in the area or people who lived nearby. Heroin is responsible for . New Orleans Police and the FBI announce theyve arrested of a heroin dealer in the Lower Ninth Ward. Handy was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation S.W.A.T. . So far this year, there have been six. THE GANG'S ALL HERE: Suspects busted in yesterday's sweep are booked by FBI agents at the Army . 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. NOPD arrests 15 in undercover drug bust. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. A warehouse raid in Hayward in the east bay seized 1,200 pounds of heroin worth roughly $3 billion. Federal agents were monitoring the telephone lines as the killing was discussed, but were powerless to prevent it, Gallagher said. The street value of the drugs is about $1 million, according to Byerly. 5 on the list to read about the U.S. Coast Guards big bust in 2007. 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. Its going to take all of us for us to rip these drugs out of our communities, Davis said. One happened in Harlingen in southeast Texas in 1989. You can call this one the mole-man drug bust, in a sense. Chief Serpas says, though this investigation is not over, he does believe that the NOPD busted every member of the 89er's gang. TORONTO -. Local. All three are facing several narcotic charges, including conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of meth. You will see that in every parish were dealing with the harmful effects of these drugs, Pointe Coupee Sheriff Rene Thibodeaux said. West Monroe, Louisiana police took a woman into custody Saturday afternoon after following up on a report by an unidentified complainant who claimed they had found what they suspected were drugs in her apartment. From Wall Street to the underworld, if theres one thing weve learned its that crime pays and pays big. In July, Ashley Rolland of West Monroe was arrested on charges of felony theft and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. June 1, 2021, 11:02 PM. A several-month investigation has led to one of Pointe Coupee Sheriff's Office's largest drug busts, officials announced at a news conference on Friday, Aug. 12. endstream endobj 1099 0 obj <>stream All rights reserved. P:. English: Le Pont-de-Claix. 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 . Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. The New Brunswick RCMP has arrested five people and seized "significant quantities" of weapons and drugs in what it says may be the largest fentanyl . 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. Published Feb 25, 2021 3:23 PM by The Maritime Executive. These are situations that put the staff potentially at risk because some of them are very violent. "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. Police believe the drugs were intended for distribution in Europe by various . New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. It is sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. Hfrk3Q+uY`!fSl^SrWJ|gmx1~3&`jnh\"h,o-Q !1 hT The suspect, Candyce Neel, 41, was found hiding behind her apartment building after a search of the residence was completed. Next: Lets head down the coast for No. NOPD, FBI bust major N.O. woman accused of using aunts debit card for 136 DoorDash orders held on preset $18 million bond. 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. endstream endobj 1100 0 obj <>stream [via Rolling Stone, 1970] [Originally published 1/31/17] 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. %PDF-1.6 % 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. 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. Michael Perlstein and Walt Philbin wrote this report. Of those, three Terrebonne and Lafourche men were indicted for distribution of more than 500 grams of meth, three Texas men were indicted for intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and two Houma men were indicted for intent to distribute 500 grams or more of meth. The DEA offices in Los Angeles seized approximately three million fentanyl pills in 2021 -- close to three times the amount seized in 2020. 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. Published Nov. 1, 2022 12:46 p.m. PDT. After the devastation left behind by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, OxyContin became an even bigger problem in New Orleans. Acting on a tip, authorities searched a house and discovered nearly 18,000 pounds of wrapped cocaine estimated to be worth $1 billion. Or maybe they didn't do anything.". Meth continues to be a problem in the state at large. 650 Poydras Street, Suite 1600 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. 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 The NOPD says 15 people were . . 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. On Monday, Lafayette police seized 23 pounds$2 million worthof meth in what's being called the largest drug bust in Lafayette Police Department history. This is the second methamphetamine-related arrest to go viral from West Monroe this year. OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nations primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets. That dealer turned out to be a federal informant. 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. Rafael Molina, 43, Gustavo Balderas, 32, and Michael Garza, 34, all from Texas, were charged this February in a six-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with several narcotic offenses. Authorities made one of the largest drug busts in Los Angeles County history recently, seizing meth and cocaine with a street value of nearly $60 million, officials say. This is the largest metropolitan area of Louisiana, with approximately 1.2 million residents. It will end because we are never going to stop going after these people.". 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.. Cocaine Bust Seizes $77 Million In Biggest New York-Area . "It tells us that corruption in the Police Department is pervasive, rampant and systemic.". "They don't want to be rehabilitated. A locked padlock Some of the narcotics found stashed on the lorries were hidden in children's juice boxes, police say. 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. This individual was a major source of illegal and dangerous drugs in the Fifth District, NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy. One of the biggest drug busts Florida has ever seen was straight out of a movie. Biggest drug bust in Halton police history announced. Next: We remain in the 20th century the rest of the way. In six months, agents out of the New Orleans DEA office made 411 arrests and seized 723 pounds of the drug and $4 million in cash and other assets, including 23 guns. "Where are the consequences for these men who use drugs and weapons as their business? ]Rs$%ooED Kingpins can make billions when their drugs hit the street, but the authorities do their best to prevent that from happening. At various times, the police officers conducted counter-surveillance of the undercover agents. 1957(a) by purchasing and then developing these seven real estate properties with profits generated from his cocaine sales. Two men described as violent drug traffickers - Paul "Cool" Hardy and Damon Causey - have been charged in the Oct. 13 murder. 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. Rhode Island has some of the loosest marijuana laws in the country, but you avoid trouble only when you have a little bit. The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force says Xavier . NEW ORLEANS, La. Liberty County officials were asked to assist in a search warrant led by the DEA out of Houston to seize what they estimated to be $500,000 worth. According to court documents, Drug Enforcement Administration agents from the New Orleans Field Division identified WILLIAMS in early 2020 as a supplier of kilogram quantities of cocaine to other drug dealers in the New Orleans metropolitan area. According to an NOPD report, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crime Task Force began receiving information about drug activity at the intersection of Tupelo Street and North Claiborne Avenue. During a routine traffic stop near Kearney, Neb., state troopers found 118 pounds of fentanyl, which is enough to kill 26 million people when you consider two milligrams is a potentially fatal dose. The U.S. Coast Guard has been involved in plenty of massive drug seizures in its history, but one from 2007 is one of the biggest drug busts in U.S. history. . 2023 Audacy, Inc. All rights reserved. For all of the caution exercised by Davis and the other suspects, the officers sometimes acted with a bravado that shocked federal authorities. New Orleans, La. An official website of the United States government. La. Led by Davis, the officers proceeded cautiously at first, suspecting a possible set-up by authorities, Jordan said. 9P!r=zi4/`Xh\rI|v-tsu3I|P34X{}/u4Cj)*JSM(^cuYB/MC|YC2y~%EY2b s0 \?V&!qk/.pC2DP3qpwEN/Qo=I;.[kKo,Il_3J>rg\%k6{8O?bw),!l|E3DxgP 6{tEG`3>@dO!Zh{gv~E?F?6;6g.*VGj(O/xq_G?ru$~vfs!TwT}{6Wmi{)f7Z$Jwq7YMb&Y$:gGq6}x3HJf=.}h4gc)jC[]!65koPJVQWjf v(Io j2> are spent on heroin than any other drug. 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. Minutes before the slaying, Davis was heard giving Hardy a description of Groves' clothing, prosecutors said. "I will not tolerate it, " Pennington said. In October 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced one of the largest drug busts in history. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. "The police officers did the same, and this was captured on videotape.". Authorities obtained a federal arrest warrant for Wayne Handy on weapons violations and drug trafficking charges. One early meeting almost led to a showdown, he said. 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. team without incident Tuesday, April 6 in the 1800 block of Andry Street. One hour away from New Orleans, and one hour away from Baton Rouge. Friday's announcement is one of several recent efforts to crack down on suspected gang members. She had been accused of stealing $5,000 from a man she'd been staying with. "Unfortunately, we were not provided on Oct. 13 with enough information to allow us to prevent it, " he said. Police are looking for Gerald Chambers Sr. and Eddie Dokes. If you factor in the two pounds of methamphetamines, cash, and guns, the DEA bust was probably closer to $7 million. 2023 Audacy, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. "This arrest was very sizeable.". WILLIAMS sold six of these seven properties for a profit. When you see a little small city, like New Roads with this, we got a problem, District Attorney Tony Clayton said. The telephone also was used to monitor the telephone calls in which Davis allegedly ordered Groves' murder. In 1989, authorities seized more than 21 tons of cocaine worth roughly $6.9 billion on the street sitting in a nondescript warehouse. These fake pills are designed to look like real prescription pills right down to the size, shape, color and stamping. . The bulk shipments of drugs are usually broken down into smaller quantities and transported to other states or distributed to local dealers, the DEA said. . And were here to tell you that were not sleeping. Authorities were targeting as many as 20 additional cops when the undercover investigation ended. German, Belgian, and Dutch authorities working in concert completed what they are calling Europe's largest cocaine seizure and one of . Nearly a quarter 22% . We're going to be in a holy war. The following arrests were made during the drug bust: Officials praise the collaboration between departments and the community to get these drugs off the streets. "asked Serpas at a news conference Friday. ,8N;?Z,w]pIaw^;QJa1'FDQ9D$q Most of the charges from the New Orleans bust were eventually dropped, but the incident went on to make a lasting impact on Grateful Dead lore. 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. New Orleans, La. Drug smuggling knows no age, and this August 2018 bust is proof. Federal agents caught two men with 86 pounds of heroin, which was worth roughly $6 million at the time. lX$S=^C{t49)CBnFr{jmHv\j[-ac~"Wv\nt.\qGH,7xHJtM?Ft#sUGgFm~'q|8o?e,K~] &b09*?L.s2=5,-D}@9pR~jf.C Local and federal agencies said they worked together to make 18 arrests and secure nine indictments for individuals in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes. 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. "Lennie Davis asked for a cellular telephone, " Gallagher said. 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. "The unsupervised, unregulated detail system practically encourages police officers to break the law, " Jordan said. After an operation lasting a year, police seized 827,000 Ecstasy pills, 76 kg of amphetamine, 39.5 kg of crystal meth, 310 kg of hashish, 89 kg of marihuana, hashish, 2,000 doses of LSD and 1.65kg . woman accused of using aunts debit card for 136 DoorDash orders held on preset $18 million bond, Juvenile injured after homemade pipe bomb detonated, police say. PART OF AUDACY NEWS. (BRPROUD) - Three men are . .Q5G|a *PQ)gSa}t]e$A|pYIbh~Oxw,gI6Gqux;@xjA/*fv>u }ctVNBJFx8St>: CtB?`w6aVV^3QM$SoVpT(k5N1)Fm)JK >bA&U/T4pG._vX lN0 MO=qe%VMgp]UfESC^&Y^&UcbRfy6OVhB*{hu","rb j3Lo9TBk&.\-`w! These are not situations that just require a short period of time to stabilize, but sometimes theyre in the hospital for days, so you can see the impact of how this is affecting the health care system, Doucet said. ", Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. 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. The operation involved around 80 investigators from nine . Copyright 2022 WAFB. In the following months, the FBI orchestrated an elaborate sting and watched in amazement as Davis and Williams recruited seven other cops to protect drug shipments and guard a cocaine-filled warehouse on Franklin Avenue, sometimes while on-duty and in uniform, Gallagher said. "One in law enforcement may consider that a gift from heaven. 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. Thats a big bust in a big city, but its far from being one of the biggest drug busts in U.S. history. Authorities seized 46 pounds of pot and $300,000 in cash in 2014 during a big bust in the smallest state in America. Federal agents caught two men with 86 pounds of heroin, which was worth roughly . LSP and Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriffs Office held a joint news conference about a major drug bust in Pointe Coupee Parish following a 7-month investigation. January 21, 2011 5:00am. The biggest drug busts in U.S. history seized billions of dollars worth of narcotics. 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. This isnt a comprehensive list of the biggest drug busts, but it gives you an idea of how much money is at stake. 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. When will this end? The busts occurred after Willie Lee White, Jr., 53, of Houston, was stopped Thursday after he left a home near Slidell, La., a New Orleans suburb in St. Tammany Parish, with $50,000 on him . ` ;6 "The police officers, not the FBI, brought in all of these bad, corrupt cops.". A lock ( More than 107,000 Americans have died as a result of fentanyl overdose or poisoning, according to the CDC. During the investigation, Strasser said authorities recovered 85 pounds of meth, more than 20 pounds of cocaine and 18 AK-47s. Roughly enough Heroin to supply an estimated 500,000 heroin users for a month. DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerly said the investigation started over a year ago. Len Davis, eight other New Orleans police officers, charged in drug sting. Neel, when arrested on the possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute charge in 2016, told officers at the time that she sold the drug for a profit.