Pennington said he immediately suspended the nine officers. These fake pills typically replicate real prescription opioid medications such as oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and alprazolam (Xanax); or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall).. . Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. German, Belgian, and Dutch authorities working in concert completed what they are calling Europe's largest cocaine seizure and one of . Agents also identified multiple addresses associated with WILLIAMS in the Jefferson Parish, Louisiana area. 1.San Francisco is home to the crown of the world largest ever recorded drugs bust. 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. Davis has been in custody since Monday, when he was charged with ordering the murder of Kim Groves near her Alabo Street home. Police tape is shown in Toronto on Tuesday, May 2, 2017. NOPD arrests 15 in undercover drug bust. 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. We're going to be in a holy war. More than 107,000 Americans have died as a result of fentanyl overdose or poisoning, according to the CDC. .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! "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. Chief Serpas says all of the people involved in this operation have a lengthy rap sheet. "Where are the consequences for these men who use drugs and weapons as their business? 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, Louisiana 70130. (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. 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. A%@F~HeA~@bzj\)L!D94`; (d>AM3f 1 And were here to tell you that were not sleeping. One hour away from New Orleans, and one hour away from Baton Rouge. A brother-sister duo, a quiet suburb, and a false attic wall hiding $24 million in cash made trafficking marijuana. 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. In the biggest drug bust in Liberty County's history, the DEA seized $1 million worth of methamphetamine in a home at County Road 2191 off FM 787. One happened in Harlingen in southeast Texas in 1989. 9P!r=zi4/`Xh\rI|v-tsu3I|P34X{}/u4Cj)*JSM(^cuYB/MC|YC2y~%EY2b s0 \?V&!qk/.pC2DP3qpwEN/Qo=I;.[kKo,Il_3J>rg\%k6{8O?bw),!l|E3DxgP 6{tEG`3>@dO!Zh{gv~E?F?6;6g.*VGj(O/xq_G?ru$~vfs!TwT}{6Wmi{)f7Z$Jwq7YMb&Y$:gGq6}x3HJf=.}h4gc)jC[]!65koPJVQWjf v(Io j2> NOPD, FBI bust major N.O. They estimated the drugs to be worth at least $870,000 on the street. 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. Officials say additional arrests are expected. Hfrk3Q+uY`!fSl^SrWJ|gmx1~3&`jnh\"h,o-Q !1 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. Its going to take all of us for us to rip these drugs out of our communities, Davis said. 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. If you factor in the two pounds of methamphetamines, cash, and guns, the DEA bust was probably closer to $7 million. You have permission to edit this article. Local. "The unsupervised, unregulated detail system practically encourages police officers to break the law, " Jordan said. Through the investigation, officials identified numerous members of a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) with Edwards as its leader. A*HABAA$,Ms`i@LH){s$6V$H A:*qh@AA#XE$ Thats a big bust in a big city, but its far from being one of the biggest drug busts in U.S. history. . This isnt a comprehensive list of the biggest drug busts, but it gives you an idea of how much money is at stake. j"0C0ed 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. Sylmar is something of a sleepy town northwest of Los Angeles, but its the site of what might be the biggest drug bust ever. Appointed in October, he acknowledged that he inherited a department riddled with corruption and vowed to weed out bad officers through aggressive internal investigations. 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. Investigators identified multiple armed subjects who they say were selling narcotics at this intersection. Michael Perlstein and Walt Philbin wrote this report. Authorities were targeting as many as 20 additional cops when the undercover investigation ended. 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. You can call this one the mole-man drug bust, in a sense. 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 . Next: Not the kind of father and son activity most people do. Next: Proof that you cant hide anything from the authorities. "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. Continue reporting this criminal activity. We're not going to tolerate it, " Morial said. 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. 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. Next: The biggest bust this city has ever seen. A warehouse raid in Hayward in the east bay seized 1,200 pounds of heroin worth roughly $3 billion. Massive drug ring operated out of lavish lakeside home in Baton Rouge for years. 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. 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. 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. Nebraska might not be among the states with the most opioid abuse, but apparently, its a way station along the route to those places. 5 on the list to read about the U.S. Coast Guards big bust in 2007. Border agents in San Diego arrested an 81-year old woman after they found 34 heroin packages weighing 92 pounds. You will see that in every parish were dealing with the harmful effects of these drugs, Pointe Coupee Sheriff Rene Thibodeaux said. The Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain geographically divide this area. The conversations simply did not alert us to what would occur. Well, a 2011 raid in San Diego originated the idea. New Orleans, La. The DEA offices in Los Angeles seized approximately three million fentanyl pills in 2021 -- close to three times the amount seized in 2020. The operation involved around 80 investigators from nine . NEW ORLEANS, La. [via Rolling Stone, 1970] [Originally published 1/31/17] 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. Gallagher said the yearlong investigation involved more than 60 federal agents from across the country and was conducted with utmost secrecy. 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. . Assistant United States Attorney David Howard Sinkman is in charge of the prosecution. In July, Ashley Rolland of West Monroe was arrested on charges of felony theft and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. 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. 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. Last month, the DA's office announced a 51-count indictment against 15 members of the 110er's. Police discovered more than 300 pounds of drugs worth $1 million during a traffic stop in southwestern Arizona. Investigators said they confiscated heroin, cocaine, meth, pressed pills, marijuana, and synthetic marijuana worth $600,000. endstream endobj 1099 0 obj <>stream Chief Serpas says, though this investigation is not over, he does believe that the NOPD busted every member of the 89er's gang. NEW ROADS, La. Ff Feds bust 127 in biggest mob sweep in US history (video) By. 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. "This is a sizeable arrest for us," Caraway said. Watson's bond is currently set at $3,100,000, according to KATC. January 21, 2011 5:00am. "Concerned citizens" passed on the tip about Reynolds and Coronado, who were the only people living in the single-story house on Connecticut Avenue. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 . 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. 2023 Audacy, Inc. All rights reserved. hXmo8+"HX1Elk#6QYJT_3K`o"r8/saL'"c?$14"$FLXPBXq#,TZ|! j\6JB1"A ~GD 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. These are situations that put the staff potentially at risk because some of them are very violent. A search warrant was also executed in the 1600 block of Charbonnet Street. Each faces up to life in prison, while Davis could face the death penalty in connection with Groves' murder. ,8N;?Z,w]pIaw^;QJa1'FDQ9D$q June 1, 2021, 11:02 PM. "It tells us that corruption in the Police Department is pervasive, rampant and systemic.". ", Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. Officials also reportedly seized one AR-15 rifle, and two semiautomatic handguns, one of which was stolen out of Pointe Coupee. They don't want to go get training and do something positive in this community. 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. Largest Settlements: Place Population; Le Pont-de-Claix: 11,963 (2016) Other Languages: View 78 more. This is the second methamphetamine-related arrest to go viral from West Monroe this year. "The police officers did the same, and this was captured on videotape.". Minutes before the slaying, Davis was heard giving Hardy a description of Groves' clothing, prosecutors said. Pointe Coupee coroner Donald Doucet said the increasing numbers are impacting the health care system. 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. What surprised authorities most, however, was the ease at which new officers were brought into the sting. 0W[AscR Australia's biggest ever drug bust made as police reveal how they thwarted a Mexican drug cartel and prevented $1billon worth of cocaine entering the country Twelve arrested as part of. (WVUE) - Federal prosecutors announced a major drug bust and the arrest of people in two parishes that were allegedly connected to a Mexican cartel Monday (July 1). At various times, the police officers conducted counter-surveillance of the undercover agents. Two 29-year-old men from Gray, Louisiana -- Hakeam Drane and Spencer Rounds, Jr. -- along with 28-year-old Larry Chatman of Thibodeaux, were charged on May 20, in a four-count indictment by a federal grand jury. We preempted those acts of violence with suggestions to people that they may not want to stay in a particular location.". Gallagher said he was particularly concerned with the possibility of danger to undercover agents. "6"f6C0%`{0fb9YY>y X,Czy9|:85Ci:=yvSnt1(juUZVD m@?~UAm1qXfG?A tX"|u `. In The Pharmacist, Dan recalls his own home being destroyed, with the exception being his recordings and files that were kept in the attic. Mayor Marc Morial answered questions about the indictments Wednesday, saying that "cavalier" cops would not be tolerated by his administration. . A dozen people are facing charges after a months-long . In October 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced one of the largest drug busts in history. DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerly said the investigation started over a year ago. }N|Q ~#'~B# ~CY0t:_=SuLGk*|"-3]$SfwrAgm* L endstream endobj 1098 0 obj <>stream Following the advisement of his Miranda Rights, which he waived, WILLIAMS provided verbal and written consent to search his Stash House and home. She had been accused of stealing $5,000 from a man she'd been staying with. 1097 0 obj <>stream NEW ORLEANS, La. - Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced Arnold Devonne Butler, 54, today in Casper. Friday's announcement is one of several recent efforts to crack down on suspected gang members. One of the biggest drug busts ever in Atlanta happened in 2012, and it remains one of the largest in U.S. history. In the world of drug enforcement, it pays to be patient. The NOPD says 15 people were arrested. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Official websites use .gov ", "We were concerned that he may engage in acts of violence. They were contemplating taking an act of violence against the primary undercover agent. "They don't want to be rehabilitated. (BRPROUD) - Three men are . It is sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. 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. Police arrested 22 peopleand confiscated more than $700,000 in cash along with the drugs. 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 LAFAYETTE, La. A month of surveillance and a coordinated law enforcement effort produced one of the biggest drug busts weve ever seen. Another 2018 haul is one of the biggest drug busts in U.S. history. are spent on heroin than any other drug. Cocaine Bust Seizes $77 Million In Biggest New York-Area . Remember when we discussed a secret drug tunnel in Arizona that authorities discovered in 2018? 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. Police are looking for Gerald Chambers Sr. and Eddie Dokes. Read more: Which Politicians Had Terrible Diseases Like John McCain? Handy was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation S.W.A.T. All rights reserved. They say the drug dealers had no regard for children in the area or people who lived nearby. 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. One of the biggest drug busts Florida has ever seen was straight out of a movie. The drug trafficking probe was abruptly halted after Davis ordered the execution of a woman who filed a brutality complaint against him, authorities said. Drug trafficking is probably the most lucrative illegal money maker, which the richest drug dealers of all time can attest to. Well, the Drug Enforcement Agency aided the Edmonton police force as it made itslargest cash seizure to that point. 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 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. 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. 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. 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.. Weve been on the case this whole time.. - A covert narcotics investigation in New Orleans that took years to develop has paid off for police. Twelve suspected drug dealers believed to be part of a large drug ring are locked up after a joint investigation. "I will not tolerate it, " Pennington said. 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. The street value of the drugs is about $1 million, according to Byerly. 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. On Tuesday, the U.S. Attorney's office in Baton Rouge announced half-a-dozen arrests for various . 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. %PDF-1.6 % endstream endobj 1100 0 obj <>stream English: Le Pont-de-Claix. 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. woman accused of using aunts debit card for 136 DoorDash orders held on preset $18 million bond. When you see a little small city, like New Roads with this, we got a problem, District Attorney Tony Clayton said. All three are facing several narcotic charges, including conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of meth. 1 on the countdown. 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. 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. Major drug bust in local parishes related to Mexican drug cartel, prosecutors say, La. City leaders say that gang is responsible for 15 murders since 2008. The seizure also helped police shut down business specializing in selling marijuana horticulture supplies. Copyright 2019 WVUE. "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. 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. 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. Police believe the drugs were intended for distribution in Europe by various . Police started investigating back in September of 2012 after receiving a federal grant. They were cryptic and they did not take on significance until compared with other events. h2405U0P0405S0 In what is being called the largest case of police corruption in the city's history, nine New Orleans officers were charged in federal court Wednesday with accepting nearly $100,000 in bribes to protect a large-scale cocaine operation run by undercover FBI agents. After the killing was officially logged as a murder by police, Davis and Williams were overheard celebrating the murder with Hardy, they said. Watch on. 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. Published Feb 25, 2021 3:23 PM by The Maritime Executive. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Chief Serpas says 15 people were using that corner to sell drugs. 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 . A subsequent search of her home uncovered a plastic container containing suspected methamphetamines labeled with the word "dope.". team without incident Tuesday, April 6 in the 1800 block of Andry Street. After the devastation left behind by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, OxyContin became an even bigger problem in New Orleans.