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. NOPD arrests 15 in undercover drug bust. ` ;6 The other police officers were arrested Wednesday. A dozen people are facing charges after a months-long . Next: Another 2018 raid is among the biggest drug busts ever. 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. 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. These are situations that put the staff potentially at risk because some of them are very violent. endstream endobj 1099 0 obj <>stream New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. Massive drug ring operated out of lavish lakeside home in Baton Rouge for years. In cooperation with Panamas government, a Coast Guard ship stopped and searched a container ship, and discovered more than 42,000 pounds of cocaine worth $350 million. When you see a little small city, like New Roads with this, we got a problem, District Attorney Tony Clayton said. PART OF AUDACY NEWS. "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. hXmo8+"HX1Elk#6QYJT_3K`o"r8/saL'"c?$14"$FLXPBXq#,TZ|! j\6JB1"A ~GD 1097 0 obj <>stream New Orleans continues to be a heroin source city for Southeast Louisiana and Southern Mississippi. Police are looking for Gerald Chambers Sr. and Eddie Dokes. 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> Officials say additional arrests are expected. NEW ROADS, La. Attorney Frank DeSalvo, who represents the Police Association of New Orleans, said Wednesday, "I just left three happy officers who didn't get indicted. . 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. 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. There were seven overdose deaths last year in Pointe Coupee Parish. During the search of both locations and Handy's vehicle, Investigators recovered the following: 944 Grams of heroin containing fentanyl $121,785 U.S. currency Ruger handgun, with high-capacity magazine Draco rifle Digital scales High-capacity drum magazine At the time of his arrest, Handy was on federal probation for weapons violations. 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. A brother-sister duo, a quiet suburb, and a false attic wall hiding $24 million in cash made trafficking marijuana. Agents seized approximately 66 kilograms of cocaine and about $3.9 million in drug proceeds hidden inside his Gretna stash house and home. 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 After the killing was officially logged as a murder by police, Davis and Williams were overheard celebrating the murder with Hardy, they said. The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force says Xavier . These fake pills typically replicate real prescription opioid medications such as oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and alprazolam (Xanax); or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall).. Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborate to make largest drug bust in Pointe Coupee history. "This is a sizeable arrest for us," Caraway said. "This arrest was very sizeable.". Next: Where have we heard this one before? For all of the caution exercised by Davis and the other suspects, the officers sometimes acted with a bravado that shocked federal authorities. 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. Largest Settlements: Place Population; Le Pont-de-Claix: 11,963 (2016) Other Languages: View 78 more. 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. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy. 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. Drug smuggling knows no age, and this August 2018 bust is proof. "Lennie Davis asked for a cellular telephone, " Gallagher said. They estimated the drugs to be worth at least $870,000 on the street. Next: A bust that saved the equivalent of 26 million lives. The officers indicted Wednesday - Davis, Williams, Sgt. Investigators identified multiple armed subjects who they say were selling narcotics at this intersection. 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. In July, Ashley Rolland of West Monroe was arrested on charges of felony theft and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. A DEA surveillance operation tracked two men, which led authorities to a Bronx apartment with $8 million worth of heroin and other drug paraphernalia inside. A month of surveillance and a coordinated law enforcement effort produced one of the biggest drug busts weve ever seen. Carlos Rodriguez, Adam Dees, Christopher Evans of the 5th District; Keith Johnson and Sheldon Polk of the 2nd; Bryant Brown, assigned to public housing; and Larry Smith, assigned to the juvenile division - all face charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and use of firearms while drug trafficking. This is the second methamphetamine-related arrest to go viral from West Monroe this year. "Concerned citizens" passed on the tip about Reynolds and Coronado, who were the only people living in the single-story house on Connecticut Avenue. 1 on the countdown. 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. More than 107,000 Americans have died as a result of fentanyl overdose or poisoning, according to the CDC. Agents spent the following weeks investigating the murder, U.S. Attorney Eddie Jordan Jr. said. When will this end? . Officials also reportedly seized one AR-15 rifle, and two semiautomatic handguns, one of which was stolen out of Pointe Coupee. Drug smuggling isnt a very wholesome father and son activity, but here we are. "Where are the consequences for these men who use drugs and weapons as their business? 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. All three are facing several narcotic charges, including conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of meth. The biggest drug busts in U.S. history seized billions of dollars worth of narcotics. Federal agents caught two men with 86 pounds of heroin, which was worth roughly $6 million at the time. Reynolds has been booked with possession and distribution of 2,700 grams of marijuana and Coronado was booked with possession and distribution of 7.5 grams of cocaine and 1,300 grams of marijuana. 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. NOPD Supt. The department also found 248 vials of THC oil during the traffic stop that led to the massive bust. The massive haul included 351kg of cocaine, 92kg of heroin and 250kg of Class-B drug cannabis. Michael Perlstein and Walt Philbin wrote this report. 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. 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. Authorities confirmed Edwards was distributing narcotics throughout the Pointe Coupee area, and on Thursday, Aug. 4, they executed multiple search warrants. Well, a 2011 raid in San Diego originated the idea. 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. And in this drug bust, all five of the top drugs were involved.. Chief Serpas says 15 people were using that corner to sell drugs. 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. The conversations simply did not alert us to what would occur. In the biggest drug bust in Liberty County's history, the DEA seized $1 million worth of methamphetamine in a home at County Road 2191 off FM 787. Police discovered more than 300 pounds of drugs worth $1 million during a traffic stop in southwestern Arizona. When questioned by police, Rolland told the officers that the bag didn't belong to her and she didn't know where the drugs came from. h2405U0P0405S0 Two mid-level drug dealers were arrested and a "substantial" amount of drugs seized after Kenner narcotics officers busted the two in their house, Kenner Police Chief Steve Caraway said today.. Criminal drug networks in Mexico are mass-producing illicit fentanyl and fake pills pressed with fentanyl in filthy, clandestine, unregulated labs, the DEA warned in their statement. You have permission to edit this article. One of the biggest drug busts ever in Atlanta happened in 2012, and it remains one of the largest in U.S. history. (WVUE) - Federal prosecutors announced a major drug bust and the arrest of people in two parishes that were allegedly connected to a Mexican cartel Monday (July 1). Published Nov. 1, 2022 12:46 p.m. PDT. "The police officers, not the FBI, brought in all of these bad, corrupt cops.". English: Le Pont-de-Claix. Authorities obtained a federal arrest warrant for Wayne Handy on weapons violations and drug trafficking charges. Then, authorities discovered how the suspect got all those drugs via a 600-foot tunnel that crossed the border to Mexico. The seizure also helped police shut down business specializing in selling marijuana horticulture supplies. Well, the Drug Enforcement Agency aided the Edmonton police force as it made itslargest cash seizure to that point. However, when authorities showed up at the home in . h{oFJ'Sn. Len Davis, eight other New Orleans police officers, charged in drug sting. Pennington said he immediately suspended the nine officers. After the devastation left behind by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, OxyContin became an even bigger problem in New Orleans. ]Rs$%ooED "We put everyone on notice today. We're not going to tolerate it, " Morial said. are spent on heroin than any other drug. Mayor Marc Morial answered questions about the indictments Wednesday, saying that "cavalier" cops would not be tolerated by his administration. And were here to tell you that were not sleeping. Assistant United States Attorney David Howard Sinkman is in charge of the prosecution. You have permission to edit this article. You can call this one the mole-man drug bust, in a sense. 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. 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. One early meeting almost led to a showdown, he said. Local. Nearly a quarter 22% . . Its going to take all of us for us to rip these drugs out of our communities, Davis said. The NOPD released surveillance pictures Friday. woman accused of using aunts debit card for 136 DoorDash orders held on preset $18 million bond. She had been accused of stealing $5,000 from a man she'd been staying with. At times, he said, the lives of undercover agents posing as drug traffickers were in danger. Copyright 2022 WAFB. Published Feb 25, 2021 3:23 PM by The Maritime Executive. %PDF-1.6 % . Twelve suspected drug dealers believed to be part of a large drug ring are locked up after a joint investigation. The tunnel police found in California was 600 yards long, had lights and a working elevator, and contained 32 tons of marijuana worth roughly $65 million. Next: The biggest bust this city has ever seen. 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. Two men described as violent drug traffickers - Paul "Cool" Hardy and Damon Causey - have been charged in the Oct. 13 murder. hT The drug trafficking probe was abruptly halted after Davis ordered the execution of a woman who filed a brutality complaint against him, authorities said. 5 on the list to read about the U.S. Coast Guards big bust in 2007. 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. 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 nine officers indicted Wednesday were among 12 officers reassigned to desk jobs this week in the wake of the investigation. - A covert narcotics investigation in New Orleans that took years to develop has paid off for police. 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. "We were able to intercept some conversations among the police officers who were on the protection detail . Through the investigation, officials identified numerous members of a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) with Edwards as its leader. (WVUE) - Federal prosecutors announced a major drug bust and the arrest of people in two parishes that were allegedly connected to a Mexican cartel Monday (July 1). 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 . I want these indictments to send a message, and that message is to every individual out there who thinks hes going to get into the business of peddling poison, know this: Were going to find you, were going to take you down, were going to take you to trial, and if youre convicted at trial, you will be spending a good portion of your life in either federal or state prison, Strasser said. 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. Twenty people are facing rafts of charges each and more than $61 million worth of cocaine, crystal meth and marijuana was seized in what Toronto police are calling the largest drug . The . She has a long history of prior arrests, with previous charges including possession of stolen goods, driving without a license, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and failure to appear in court. Australia's biggest ever drug bust made as police reveal how they thwarted a Mexican drug cartel and prevented $1billon worth of cocaine entering the country Twelve arrested as part of. The investigation was initiated in 2004 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI . (Louisiana State Police). The DEA offices in Los Angeles seized approximately three million fentanyl pills in 2021 -- close to three times the amount seized in 2020. 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. This isnt a comprehensive list of the biggest drug busts, but it gives you an idea of how much money is at stake. One of the largest under cover drug busts in New Orleans history - YouTube 0:00 / 1:10 One of the largest under cover drug busts in New Orleans history 10,320 views Aug 14, 2018 Kinsey. All rights reserved. team without incident Tuesday, April 6 in the 1800 block of Andry Street. heroin dealer in Lower Ninth Ward, Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images, First evidence for horseback riding dates back 5,000 years, In Chicago, adapting electric buses to winters challenges, After Murdaugh trial 'circus,' Walterboro welcomes normality, Ohio derailment tests Sen. Brown's push to buck Dem defeats, In Britain, warm hubs emerge to beat soaring energy costs. . Each faces up to life in prison, while Davis could face the death penalty in connection with Groves' murder. "We're on a crusade. As a result of this, we had to increase significantly the security of the FBI undercover agents.". 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. Next: Not the kind of father and son activity most people do. 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. New Orleans Police and the FBI announce theyve arrested of a heroin dealer in the Lower Ninth Ward. They were contemplating taking an act of violence against the primary undercover agent. Or maybe they didn't do anything.". A*HABAA$,Ms`i@LH){s$6V$H A:*qh@AA#XE$ Ff A staggering number of teens and young adults are unaware that they are ingesting fentanyl in these fake pills and are being poisoned.. "asked Serpas at a news conference Friday. Which Politicians Had Terrible Diseases Like John McCain. 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. Police believe the drugs were intended for distribution in Europe by various . Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. LAFAYETTE, La. At various times, the police officers conducted counter-surveillance of the undercover agents. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. German, Belgian, and Dutch authorities working in concert completed what they are calling Europe's largest cocaine seizure and one of . 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. 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. Major drug bust in local parishes related to Mexican drug cartel, prosecutors say, La. Neel has been charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and is being held in jail on a $3,000 bond. The telephone also was used to monitor the telephone calls in which Davis allegedly ordered Groves' murder. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Forget talking about just drug dealers, Pablo Escobar is one of the richest criminals who ever lived. A search warrant was also executed in the 1600 block of Charbonnet Street. Authorities were targeting as many as 20 additional cops when the undercover investigation ended. Sylmar is something of a sleepy town northwest of Los Angeles, but its the site of what might be the biggest drug bust ever. This is the largest metropolitan area of Louisiana, with approximately 1.2 million residents. endstream endobj 1100 0 obj <>stream Police seized drugs from each of their rooms. Cocaine Bust Seizes $77 Million In Biggest New York-Area . ORLEANS COUNTY, N.Y. A man from Medina faces numerous drug and weapons charges following a raid at two locations in Orleans County. Copyright 2019 WVUE. 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 . endstream endobj 1098 0 obj <>stream We're going to be in a holy war. There's no question that perhaps as many as 15 to 20 more officers could have been apprehended, " Jordan said. Watch on. "In September, a disturbing development occurred, " Gallagher said. 1.San Francisco is home to the crown of the world largest ever recorded drugs bust. TUCSON, Ariz. Stephen Folson, 37, of Santa Rosa, Arizona, was sentenced on Tuesday by United States District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson to 10 years incarceration. I want to thank our partners at the FBI for working so hard to remove this dangerous drug dealer from the streets., Civilians flee embattled town as Ukrainian pullout looms, Ukraine plant builds 6-person bunkers for war's front lines, Texas congressman's breaks with GOP could lead to censure, UN nuclear head meets with Iranians amid enrichment concerns, Indonesia fuel depot fire kills 18, over dozen missing, Global race to boost electric vehicle range in cold weather, Election conspiracies fuel dispute over voter fraud system, South Sudan's president dismisses political rival's wife, China: Defense boost to meet 'complex security challenges', Doctor in embattled Somaliland city says at least 145 dead. City leaders say that gang is responsible for 15 murders since 2008. So far this year, there have been six. 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. Meth continues to be a problem in the state at large. 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. (BRPROUD) - Three men are . Mitchel Maddux. Chief Serpas says all of the people involved in this operation have a lengthy rap sheet. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS From Wall Street to the underworld, if theres one thing weve learned its that crime pays and pays big. On November 19, 2020, agents conducted an investigatory stop on WILLIAMSs vehicle. 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. 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. 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. 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 . NEW ORLEANS, La. 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.