A month of surveillance and a coordinated law enforcement effort produced one of the biggest drug busts weve ever seen. . He and his Medellin cartel cohorts made an estimated $420 million each weeksupplying 80% of the cocaine in the United States in the 1980s. 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. Part of Audacy. 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 $200 special assessment fee. Len Davis, eight other New Orleans police officers, charged in drug sting. When questioned by police, Rolland told the officers that the bag didn't belong to her and she didn't know where the drugs came from. Jordan, at a news conference with Gallagher and Police Superintendent Richard Pennington, said more indictments could follow in the coming weeks. On November 19, 2020, agents conducted an investigatory stop on WILLIAMSs vehicle. A staggering number of teens and young adults are unaware that they are ingesting fentanyl in these fake pills and are being poisoned.. - A covert narcotics investigation in New Orleans that took years to develop has paid off for police. [via Rolling Stone, 1970] [Originally published 1/31/17] }N|Q ~#'~B# ~CY0t:_=SuLGk*|"-3]$SfwrAgm*
L Forget talking about just drug dealers, Pablo Escobar is one of the richest criminals who ever lived. Agents conducted surveillance on two of these properties WILLIAMSs stash house (Stash House) and home, both in Gretna. "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. Well, a 2011 raid in San Diego originated the idea. New Orleans is a New York with nearly 5,000 murders a yearan unlivable place. .Q5G|a *PQ)gSa}t]e$A|pYIbh~Oxw,gI6Gqux;@xjA/*fv>u }ctVNBJFx8St>: CtB?`w6aVV^3QM$SoVpT(k5N1)Fm)JK
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j3Lo9TBk&.\-`w! All rights reserved. ", "We were concerned that he may engage in acts of violence. 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. Authorities obtained a federal arrest warrant for Wayne Handy on weapons violations and drug trafficking charges. Next: Not the kind of father and son activity most people do. 2023 Audacy, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. January 21, 2011 5:00am. This investigation into the drug trafficking organization is ongoing. Next: Where have we heard this one before? Largest Settlements: Place Population; Le Pont-de-Claix: 11,963 (2016) Other Languages: View 78 more. 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. Hfrk3Q+uY`!fSl^SrWJ|gmx1~3&`jnh\"h,o-Q !1
A warehouse raid in Hayward in the east bay seized 1,200 pounds of heroin worth roughly $3 billion. These are situations that put the staff potentially at risk because some of them are very violent. Sylmar is something of a sleepy town northwest of Los Angeles, but its the site of what might be the biggest drug bust ever. 1957(a) by purchasing and then developing these seven real estate properties with profits generated from his cocaine sales. Meth continues to be a problem in the state at large. 5 on the list to read about the U.S. Coast Guards big bust in 2007. Strasser said he expects more arrests and indictments to come from the investigation. Among their charges were conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 500 grams or more of a mixture containing meth. lX$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 Investigators identified multiple armed subjects who they say were selling narcotics at this intersection. June 1, 2021, 11:02 PM. The operation involved around 80 investigators from nine . 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. A lock ( One hour away from New Orleans, and one hour away from Baton Rouge. 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. This is the largest metropolitan area of Louisiana, with approximately 1.2 million residents. "asked Serpas at a news conference Friday. The suspect, Candyce Neel, 41, was found hiding behind her apartment building after a search of the residence was completed. 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. The telephone also was used to monitor the telephone calls in which Davis allegedly ordered Groves' murder. You will see that in every parish were dealing with the harmful effects of these drugs, Pointe Coupee Sheriff Rene Thibodeaux said. 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. 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. Ill say to you that this is mid-level cities type of drug drugs. Biggest drug bust in Halton police history announced. Police seized drugs from each of their rooms. 1.San Francisco is home to the crown of the world largest ever recorded drugs bust. 66y% Police believe the drugs were intended for distribution in Europe by various . Next: Lets head down the coast for No. "The police officers did the same, and this was captured on videotape.". More than 107,000 Americans have died as a result of fentanyl overdose or poisoning, according to the CDC. 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. One of the biggest drug busts ever in Atlanta happened in 2012, and it remains one of the largest in U.S. history. They were contemplating taking an act of violence against the primary undercover agent. 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. They were cryptic and they did not take on significance until compared with other events. Gallagher said the yearlong investigation involved more than 60 federal agents from across the country and was conducted with utmost secrecy. 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 . 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. 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. Neel has been charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and is being held in jail on a $3,000 bond. The Government and WILLIAMS have agreed that WILLIAMS was responsible for possessing with intent to distribute between 50 kilograms and 150 kilograms of cocaine. hXmo8+"HX1Elk#6QYJT_3K`o"r8/saL'"c?$14"$FLXPBXq#,TZ|! j\6JB1"A ~GD Two men described as violent drug traffickers - Paul "Cool" Hardy and Damon Causey - have been charged in the Oct. 13 murder. After the devastation left behind by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, OxyContin became an even bigger problem in New Orleans. In 1989, authorities seized more than 21 tons of cocaine worth roughly $6.9 billion on the street sitting in a nondescript warehouse. 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. Next: Proof that you cant hide anything from the authorities. Chief Serpas says all of the people involved in this operation have a lengthy rap sheet. "The unsupervised, unregulated detail system practically encourages police officers to break the law, " Jordan said. Friday's announcement is one of several recent efforts to crack down on suspected gang members. Drug trafficking is probably the most lucrative illegal money maker, which the richest drug dealers of all time can attest to. Each faces up to life in prison, while Davis could face the death penalty in connection with Groves' murder. 650 Poydras Street, Suite 1600
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. Twelve suspected drug dealers believed to be part of a large drug ring are locked up after a joint investigation. Pointe Coupee coroner Donald Doucet said the increasing numbers are impacting the health care system. 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 . It is often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine as a combination product -- with or without the users knowledge -- to increase its euphoric effects.. This isnt a comprehensive list of the biggest drug busts, but it gives you an idea of how much money is at stake. Authorities seized 46 pounds of pot and $300,000 in cash in 2014 during a big bust in the smallest state in America. 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. endstream
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j"0C0ed However, when authorities showed up at the home in . The officers indicted Wednesday - Davis, Williams, Sgt. 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. NEW ORLEANS, La. 0W[AscR They chose to be drug dealers, they chose to be gun-toters, they chose to put children at risk. Chief Serpas says 15 people were using that corner to sell drugs. 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. That led to a decision to shut down the operation, even as agents were gathering evidence on additional officers. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 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. 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. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Agents spent the following weeks investigating the murder, U.S. Attorney Eddie Jordan Jr. said. Maybe there wasn't enough evidence. "One in law enforcement may consider that a gift from heaven. Jesse Reynolds, 31, and Eddie "Primo" Coronado, 26, were arrested Thursday night at their home, 3813 Connecticut Ave. "The arrest is the result of a two-month undercover operation," Caraway said at a news conference at police headquarters. 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. New York man busted 3 times in 1 day on different drug charges, state police say. 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. (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). Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. A search warrant was also executed in the 1600 block of Charbonnet Street. A locked padlock From Wall Street to the underworld, if theres one thing weve learned its that crime pays and pays big. Next: We remain in the 20th century the rest of the way. 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. 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. For all of the caution exercised by Davis and the other suspects, the officers sometimes acted with a bravado that shocked federal authorities. New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. Local. Roughly enough Heroin to supply an estimated 500,000 heroin users for a month. A subsequent search of her home uncovered a plastic container containing suspected methamphetamines labeled with the word "dope.". "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. 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. NOPD Supt. These fake pills are designed to look like real prescription pills right down to the size, shape, color and stamping. 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. This individual was a major source of illegal and dangerous drugs in the Fifth District, NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson 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. And were here to tell you that were not sleeping. 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. Next: The biggest bust this city has ever seen. 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.