The biggest raids happened in the 20th century, but check out No. "The police officers did the same, and this was captured on videotape.". Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Many of them are believed to be part of a gang known as the 89er's or T-Blocc. When you see a little small city, like New Roads with this, we got a problem, District Attorney Tony Clayton said. The biggest drug busts in U.S. history seized billions of dollars worth of narcotics. At various times, the police officers conducted counter-surveillance of the undercover agents. that they were contemplating ripping off the couriers. Weve been on the case this whole time.. Copyright 2022 WAFB. Police arrested 22 peopleand confiscated more than $700,000 in cash along with the drugs. The Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain geographically divide this area. Neel left the building without police officers speaking with her, according to the arrest report. In April, the officers agreed to protect a drug shipment, then stunned an agent posing as a big-time cocaine dealer by showing up in uniform, Gallagher said. A warehouse raid in Hayward in the east bay seized 1,200 pounds of heroin worth roughly $3 billion. Ill say to you that this is mid-level cities type of drug drugs. 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. Police believe the drugs were intended for distribution in Europe by various . Cops probing the discovery of drugs worth 38million found concealed on lorries have arrested 19 Brits. 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. 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 . Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. 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. Agents seized approximately 66 kilograms of cocaine and about $3.9 million in drug proceeds hidden inside his Gretna stash house and home. The DEA, however, has been getting more successful year on year at stopping and seizing drug shipments. 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. Chief Serpas says 15 people were using that corner to sell drugs. 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. 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. 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. It is often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine as a combination product -- with or without the users knowledge -- to increase its euphoric effects.. These fake pills are designed to look like real prescription pills right down to the size, shape, color and stamping. The investigation and bust were carried out on a decree from the Naples public prosecutor, the statement added. Among their charges were conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 500 grams or more of a mixture containing meth. "I will not tolerate it, " Pennington 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. 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. 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. 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. endstream endobj 1098 0 obj <>stream When will this end? Border agents in San Diego arrested an 81-year old woman after they found 34 heroin packages weighing 92 pounds. 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. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. City leaders say that gang is responsible for 15 murders since 2008. On November 19, 2020, agents conducted an investigatory stop on WILLIAMSs vehicle. 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. Another 2018 haul is one of the biggest drug busts in U.S. history. "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. The conversations simply did not alert us to what would occur. A locked padlock Pointe Coupee coroner Donald Doucet said the increasing numbers are impacting the health care system. In the biggest drug bust in Liberty County's history, the DEA seized $1 million worth of methamphetamine in a home at County Road 2191 off FM 787. He said police believe Reynolds and Coronado distributed to Kenner street-level drug dealers and he hopes the arrests will have an effect on drug activity. Theres no number, and when you look at the number of overdoses when you look at the amount of criminal activity involved with this, you know there is no specific number, but I can tell you its immeasurable and one life is too much, Davis said. A*HABAA$,Ms`i@LH){s$6V$H A:*qh@AA#XE$ The officers indicted Wednesday - Davis, Williams, Sgt. New Orleans, La. Next: Not the kind of father and son activity most people do. She later admitted that the suspected dope belonged to her after being read her rights. . What surprised authorities most, however, was the ease at which new officers were brought into the sting. Major drug bust in local parishes related to Mexican drug cartel, prosecutors say, La. Gallagher said he was particularly concerned with the possibility of danger to undercover agents. Police discovered more than 300 pounds of drugs worth $1 million during a traffic stop in southwestern Arizona. 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. Two men described as violent drug traffickers - Paul "Cool" Hardy and Damon Causey - have been charged in the Oct. 13 murder. "This is a sizeable arrest for us," Caraway said. 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. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? - A covert narcotics investigation in New Orleans that took years to develop has paid off for police. Watch on. Mayor Marc Morial answered questions about the indictments Wednesday, saying that "cavalier" cops would not be tolerated by his administration. 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. Next: The U.S. helps with an international drug bust. Published Nov. 1, 2022 12:46 p.m. PDT. Meth continues to be a problem in the state at large. "Where are the consequences for these men who use drugs and weapons as their business? Seven of them are believed to be members of the 89er's gang. Following the advisement of his Miranda Rights, which he waived, WILLIAMS provided verbal and written consent to search his Stash House and home. . On Monday, Lafayette police seized 23 pounds$2 million worthof meth in what's being called the largest drug bust in Lafayette Police . Largest Settlements: Place Population; Le Pont-de-Claix: 11,963 (2016) Other Languages: View 78 more. 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 Forget talking about just drug dealers, Pablo Escobar is one of the richest criminals who ever lived. Neel has been charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and is being held in jail on a $3,000 bond. "In September, a disturbing development occurred, " Gallagher said. One early meeting almost led to a showdown, he said. And in this drug bust, all five of the top drugs were involved.. Cocaine Bust Seizes $77 Million In Biggest New York-Area . New Orleans Police and the FBI announce theyve arrested of a heroin dealer in the Lower Ninth Ward. The investigation was initiated in 2004 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI . 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. 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. Drug trafficking is probably the most lucrative illegal money maker, which the richest drug dealers of all time can attest to. The Government and WILLIAMS have agreed that WILLIAMS was responsible for possessing with intent to distribute between 50 kilograms and 150 kilograms of cocaine. NEW ORLEANS, La. He and his Medellin cartel cohorts made an estimated $420 million each weeksupplying 80% of the cocaine in the United States in the 1980s. TORONTO -. However, when authorities showed up at the home in . "The unsupervised, unregulated detail system practically encourages police officers to break the law, " Jordan said. Read more: Which Politicians Had Terrible Diseases Like John McCain? Police are looking for Gerald Chambers Sr. and Eddie Dokes. 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. A subsequent search of her home uncovered a plastic container containing suspected methamphetamines labeled with the word "dope.". 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. In July, Ashley Rolland of West Monroe was arrested on charges of felony theft and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. So far this year, there have been six. 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. Massive drug ring operated out of lavish lakeside home in Baton Rouge for years. They even sold drugs in the rain, every day from early morning till night. "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. That led to a decision to shut down the operation, even as agents were gathering evidence on additional officers. One of the biggest drug busts ever in Atlanta happened in 2012, and it remains one of the largest in U.S. history. June 1, 2021, 11:02 PM. Next: Lets head down the coast for No. "The pertinent conversations were spread out over a 10-hour period and were intermingled with many other discussions concerning their protection activity at the warehouse. Thats a big bust in a big city, but its far from being one of the biggest drug busts in U.S. history. After the killing was officially logged as a murder by police, Davis and Williams were overheard celebrating the murder with Hardy, they said. They were contemplating taking an act of violence against the primary undercover agent. NEW ROADS, La. According to Strasser, Harris Henderson, 43 of Schreiver, Louisiana, was charged last July in a one-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine. The seizure also helped police shut down business specializing in selling marijuana horticulture supplies. 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. Agents also identified multiple addresses associated with WILLIAMS in the Jefferson Parish, Louisiana area. One hour away from New Orleans, and one hour away from Baton Rouge. Michael Perlstein and Walt Philbin wrote this report. Two people are still wanted. And, in the first four months alone of 2022, DEA Los Angeles have seized an estimated 1.5 million of the pills -- a 64% increase over the same period in 2021. Well, the Drug Enforcement Agency aided the Edmonton police force as it made itslargest cash seizure to that point. Sylmar is something of a sleepy town northwest of Los Angeles, but its the site of what might be the biggest drug bust ever. Authorities obtained a federal arrest warrant for Wayne Handy on weapons violations and drug trafficking charges. The Mindat Manual Add a New Photo Rate Photos Locality Edit Report Coordinate Completion Report Add Glossary Item. If you factor in the two pounds of methamphetamines, cash, and guns, the DEA bust was probably closer to $7 million. 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. This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). Next: Proof that you cant hide anything from the authorities. This isnt a comprehensive list of the biggest drug busts, but it gives you an idea of how much money is at stake. 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. There were seven overdose deaths last year in Pointe Coupee Parish. The other police officers were arrested Wednesday. Assistant United States Attorney David Howard Sinkman is in charge of the prosecution. "One in law enforcement may consider that a gift from heaven. h2405U0P0405S0 "This arrest was very sizeable.". This investigation into the drug trafficking organization is ongoing. July 02, 2020 Contact: Public Information Officer Phone Number: For Immediate Release Wyoming's largest drug bust leads to two decades in prison CASPER, Wyo. Local. More than 107,000 Americans have died as a result of fentanyl overdose or poisoning, according to the CDC. "We were able to intercept some conversations among the police officers who were on the protection detail . After the devastation left behind by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, OxyContin became an even bigger problem in New Orleans. DEA agents identified Southern California narcotic couriers and stash house managers who were responsible for distributing narcotics to other drug distributors in the area, the DEA said in a press release regarding the seizure. Davis has been in custody since Monday, when he was charged with ordering the murder of Kim Groves near her Alabo Street home. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy. A brother-sister duo, a quiet suburb, and a false attic wall hiding $24 million in cash made trafficking marijuana. "asked Serpas at a news conference Friday. Most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the U.S. are linked to illegally made fentanyl, the CDC warns on their website. The . The NOPD says 15 people were arrested. Meth continues to be a problem in the state at large. "Concerned citizens" passed on the tip about Reynolds and Coronado, who were the only people living in the single-story house on Connecticut Avenue. . 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. Authorities were targeting as many as 20 additional cops when the undercover investigation ended. An official website of the United States government. On Tuesday, the U.S. Attorney's office in Baton Rouge announced half-a-dozen arrests for various . 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. 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 . One California raid in 2014 remains one of the biggest drug busts the U.S. has ever seen. "Lennie Davis asked for a cellular telephone, " Gallagher said. We preempted those acts of violence with suggestions to people that they may not want to stay in a particular location.". They chose to be drug dealers, they chose to be gun-toters, they chose to put children at risk. 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. Its going to take all of us for us to rip these drugs out of our communities, Davis said. Officials say additional arrests are expected. Chief Serpas says all of the people involved in this operation have a lengthy rap sheet. They estimated the drugs to be worth at least $870,000 on the street. 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. 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. Federal agents caught two men with 86 pounds of heroin, which was worth roughly $6 million at the time. The DEA offices in Los Angeles seized approximately three million fentanyl pills in 2021 -- close to three times the amount seized in 2020. 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. Well, a 2011 raid in San Diego originated the idea. Strasser said he expects more arrests and indictments to come from the investigation. DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerly said the investigation started over a year ago. New Orleans is a New York with nearly 5,000 murders a yearan unlivable place. WILLIAMS faces up to life imprisonment, a fine of $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a $200 special assessment fee. Authorities seized 46 pounds of pot and $300,000 in cash in 2014 during a big bust in the smallest state in America. 14 tons of. 1.San Francisco is home to the crown of the world largest ever recorded drugs bust. In the world of drug enforcement, it pays to be patient. "Unfortunately, we were not provided on Oct. 13 with enough information to allow us to prevent it, " he said. 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. LAFAYETTE, La. endstream endobj 1099 0 obj <>stream When the main players had their cases go to trial, the warehouse owner received a life sentence, according to the Los Angeles Times. At times, he said, the lives of undercover agents posing as drug traffickers were in danger. Agents discovered approximately twenty-one (21) kilograms of cocaine in hidden drawer compartments inside a wooden TV cabinet in the Stash House, and approximately forty-five (45) kilograms of cocaine and $3.9 million in drug proceeds in WILLIAMSs home. Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborate to make largest drug bust in Pointe Coupee history. Most of the charges from the New Orleans bust were eventually dropped, but the incident went on to make a lasting impact on Grateful Dead lore. NEW ORLEANS, La. Have a question about Government Services? They don't want to go get training and do something positive in this community. A dozen people are facing charges after a months-long . Next: A bust that saved the equivalent of 26 million lives. Gallagher said the yearlong investigation involved more than 60 federal agents from across the country and was conducted with utmost secrecy. }N|Q ~#'~B# ~CY0t:_=SuLGk*|"-3]$SfwrAgm* L The operation involved around 80 investigators from nine . 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. It is sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. Federal agents caught two men with 86 pounds of heroin, which was worth roughly . PART OF AUDACY NEWS. 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. Agents conducted surveillance on two of these properties WILLIAMSs stash house (Stash House) and home, both in Gretna. (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). endstream endobj 1100 0 obj <>stream These fake pills typically replicate real prescription opioid medications such as oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and alprazolam (Xanax); or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall).. Next: We remain in the 20th century the rest of the way. 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. We're not going to tolerate it, " Morial 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 . Police started investigating back in September of 2012 after receiving a federal grant. (WAFB) - Twelve suspected drug dealers believed to be part of a large drug ring are locked up after a joint investigation between the Pointe Coupee Sheriffs Office, New Roads Police Department, and Louisiana State Police. Remember when we discussed a secret drug tunnel in Arizona that authorities discovered in 2018? 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. A month of surveillance and a coordinated law enforcement effort produced one of the biggest drug busts weve ever seen. 2023 Audacy, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Continue reporting this criminal activity. "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.". During the investigation, Strasser said authorities recovered 85 pounds of meth, more than 20 pounds of cocaine and 18 AK-47s. 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. 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. 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.