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. They say the drug dealers had no regard for children in the area or people who lived nearby. 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 $3.9 million in drug proceeds in WILLIAMSs home. Weve been on the case this whole time.. "In September, a disturbing development occurred, " Gallagher said. Next: A bust that saved the equivalent of 26 million lives. June 1, 2021, 11:02 PM. OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nations primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets. ]Rs$%ooED 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 . A locked padlock "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.". 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. "6"f6C0%`{0fb9YY>y X,Czy9|:85Ci:=yvSnt1(juUZVD m@?~UAm1qXfG?A tX"|u `. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. At times, he said, the lives of undercover agents posing as drug traffickers were in danger. "It tells us that corruption in the Police Department is pervasive, rampant and systemic.". Or maybe they didn't do anything.". Next: We remain in the 20th century the rest of the way. Seven of them are believed to be members of the 89er's gang. Maybe there wasn't enough evidence. Pointe Coupee coroner Donald Doucet said the increasing numbers are impacting the health care system. "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. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. (Louisiana State Police). Twelve suspected drug dealers believed to be part of a large drug ring are locked up after a joint investigation. She later admitted that the suspected dope belonged to her after being read her rights. Friday's announcement is one of several recent efforts to crack down on suspected gang members. Authorities obtained a federal arrest warrant for Wayne Handy on weapons violations and drug trafficking charges. . 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: Lets head down the coast for No. 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. Well, a 2011 raid in San Diego originated the idea. 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. 5 on the list to read about the U.S. Coast Guards big bust in 2007. In July, Ashley Rolland of West Monroe was arrested on charges of felony theft and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. 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. 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. 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. Among their charges were conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 500 grams or more of a mixture containing meth. 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. Lock (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). ", Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. The investigation remains ongoing. The massive haul included 351kg of cocaine, 92kg of heroin and 250kg of Class-B drug cannabis. Next: Not the kind of father and son activity most people do. This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). Many of them are believed to be part of a gang known as the 89er's or T-Blocc. 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. DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerly said the investigation started over a year ago. This individual was a major source of illegal and dangerous drugs in the Fifth District, NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said. New Orleans Police and the FBI announce theyve arrested of a heroin dealer in the Lower Ninth Ward. Continue reporting this criminal activity. Attorney Frank DeSalvo, who represents the Police Association of New Orleans, said Wednesday, "I just left three happy officers who didn't get indicted. ", "We were concerned that he may engage in acts of violence. 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. You can call this one the mole-man drug bust, in a sense. Any defense by officers that they didn't know what was stored at the site will be countered with hours of taped conversations, they said. The Mindat Manual Add a New Photo Rate Photos Locality Edit Report Coordinate Completion Report Add Glossary Item. 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. 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 New Brunswick RCMP has arrested five people and seized "significant quantities" of weapons and drugs in what it says may be the largest fentanyl . Forget talking about just drug dealers, Pablo Escobar is one of the richest criminals who ever lived. In The Pharmacist, Dan recalls his own home being destroyed, with the exception being his recordings and files that were kept in the attic. "Where are the consequences for these men who use drugs and weapons as their business? He and his Medellin cartel cohorts made an estimated $420 million each weeksupplying 80% of the cocaine in the United States in the 1980s. 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. The seizure also helped police shut down business specializing in selling marijuana horticulture supplies. . After the devastation left behind by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, OxyContin became an even bigger problem in New Orleans. Neel has been charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and is being held in jail on a $3,000 bond. Its going to take all of us for us to rip these drugs out of our communities, Davis said. "This arrest was very sizeable.". English: Le Pont-de-Claix. 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 Georgia State Patrol pulled over a car that contained drugs. Agents conducted surveillance on two of these properties WILLIAMSs stash house (Stash House) and home, both in Gretna. Meth continues to be a problem in the state at large. 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 . New Orleans is a New York with nearly 5,000 murders a yearan unlivable place. A brother-sister duo, a quiet suburb, and a false attic wall hiding $24 million in cash made trafficking marijuana. WILLIAMS sold six of these seven properties for a profit. 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. "We were able to intercept some conversations among the police officers who were on the protection detail . 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 - Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced Arnold Devonne Butler, 54, today in Casper. ORLEANS COUNTY, N.Y. A man from Medina faces numerous drug and weapons charges following a raid at two locations in Orleans County. 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 on July, 5, 2022, in Inglewood, California. You will see that in every parish were dealing with the harmful effects of these drugs, Pointe Coupee Sheriff Rene Thibodeaux said. Copyright 2019 WVUE. All rights reserved. Agents seized approximately 66 kilograms of cocaine and about $3.9 million in drug proceeds hidden inside his Gretna stash house and home. On November 19, 2020, agents conducted an investigatory stop on WILLIAMSs vehicle. This is the second methamphetamine-related arrest to go viral from West Monroe this year. 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 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. Heroin is responsible for . 0W[AscR One early meeting almost led to a showdown, he said. Police are looking for Gerald Chambers Sr. and Eddie Dokes. 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. 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. 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. Federal agents were monitoring the telephone lines as the killing was discussed, but were powerless to prevent it, Gallagher said. (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). LSP Col. Lamar Davis says getting these drugs off the streets saves countless lives. Acting on a tip, authorities searched a house and discovered nearly 18,000 pounds of wrapped cocaine estimated to be worth $1 billion. Next: Proof that you cant hide anything from the authorities. Just last week, the District Attorney's office issued indictments against 20 people in the "3NG" gang on charges including racketeering and murder. Sylmar is something of a sleepy town northwest of Los Angeles, but its the site of what might be the biggest drug bust ever. "I will not tolerate it, " Pennington said. endstream endobj 1098 0 obj <>stream 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. La. The operation involved around 80 investigators from nine . This is the largest metropolitan area of Louisiana, with approximately 1.2 million residents. The DEA, however, has been getting more successful year on year at stopping and seizing drug shipments. 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. For all of the caution exercised by Davis and the other suspects, the officers sometimes acted with a bravado that shocked federal authorities. Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborate to make largest drug bust in Pointe Coupee history. 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. 2023 Audacy, Inc. All rights reserved. And were here to tell you that were not sleeping. 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. That led to a decision to shut down the operation, even as agents were gathering evidence on additional officers. 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. A search warrant was also executed in the 1600 block of Charbonnet Street. Drug smuggling knows no age, and this August 2018 bust is proof. 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. Local. Nearly a quarter 22% . 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. 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. Police seized drugs from each of their rooms. woman accused of using aunts debit card for 136 DoorDash orders held on preset $18 million bond. Largest Settlements: Place Population; Le Pont-de-Claix: 11,963 (2016) Other Languages: View 78 more. 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 . j"0C0ed . Local and federal agencies said they worked together to make 18 arrests and secure nine indictments for individuals in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes. NEW ORLEANS, La. 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. 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. 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. 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 $3.9 Million In Drug Proceeds Seized At His Stash House and Home. Authorities confirmed Edwards was distributing narcotics throughout the Pointe Coupee area, and on Thursday, Aug. 4, they executed multiple search warrants. In the world of drug enforcement, it pays to be patient. "This is a sizeable arrest for us," Caraway said. lX$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 Police started investigating back in September of 2012 after receiving a federal grant. Meth continues to be a problem in the state at large. 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. (BRPROUD) - Three men are . "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. "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. They estimated the drugs to be worth at least $870,000 on the street. PART OF AUDACY NEWS. 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 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. So far this year, there have been six. Next: Where have we heard this one before? The investigation and bust were carried out on a decree from the Naples public prosecutor, the statement added. 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. Handy was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation S.W.A.T. Federal agents caught two men with 86 pounds of heroin, which was worth roughly . The NOPD released surveillance pictures Friday. One happened in Harlingen in southeast Texas in 1989. A warehouse raid in Hayward in the east bay seized 1,200 pounds of heroin worth roughly $3 billion. The Government and WILLIAMS have agreed that WILLIAMS was responsible for possessing with intent to distribute between 50 kilograms and 150 kilograms of cocaine. Minutes before the slaying, Davis was heard giving Hardy a description of Groves' clothing, prosecutors said. New York man busted 3 times in 1 day on different drug charges, state police say. biggest drug bust in new orleans. Agents spent the following weeks investigating the murder, U.S. Attorney Eddie Jordan Jr. said. They even sold drugs in the rain, every day from early morning till night. 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 . 650 Poydras Street, Suite 1600 U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser said the defendants are charged with trafficking meth, heroin, cocaine and firearms. ` ;6 Thats a big bust in a big city, but its far from being one of the biggest drug busts in U.S. history. The conversations simply did not alert us to what would occur. These fake pills are designed to look like real prescription pills right down to the size, shape, color and stamping. When the main players had their cases go to trial, the warehouse owner received a life sentence, according to the Los Angeles Times. Next: The biggest bust this city has ever seen. 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. 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. The NOPD says 15 people were . . Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? "Concerned citizens" passed on the tip about Reynolds and Coronado, who were the only people living in the single-story house on Connecticut Avenue. 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. 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. 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. }N|Q ~#'~B# ~CY0t:_=SuLGk*|"-3]$SfwrAgm* L "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. 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. 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. When you see a little small city, like New Roads with this, we got a problem, District Attorney Tony Clayton said. In 1989, authorities seized more than 21 tons of cocaine worth roughly $6.9 billion on the street sitting in a nondescript warehouse.