A yearslong investigation led by the DEA has dismantled a major drug trafficking ring in Louisiana’s Bayou region, with 38 individuals now facing state or federal charges.
The operation, called “Operation It’s About Time,” targeted the Murder Gang, a group known for distributing drugs across Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes.
“These folks were kind of the ones that replaced them or the ones we didn’t initially have enough evidence to get, so now we have completely dismantled this gang,” officials said.
The investigation resulted in the seizure of more than 100 pounds of narcotics, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, valued at nearly $400,000.
“Almost $400,000 of street narcotics is a significant amount, and as you can tell by the pictures, that’s a lot of methamphetamine. Not only methamphetamine seizures, but we also had fentanyl, heroin, cocaine seizures,” officials said.
Law enforcement officials highlighted the collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies as key to the operation’s success.
“I’ve been working in law enforcement for over 30 years now, and in those 30 years, I have to say this is the strongest I’ve seen law enforcement across this state in Louisiana,” officials said.
The rural geography of the Bayou region posed challenges for surveillance during the investigation.
“Obviously, surveillance can be a little bit more difficult in rural areas than in the metro area. You roll in with several TFOs and agents in cars that aren’t usually there, it can be a little more difficult,” officials said.
The individuals charged in connection with the operation face potential sentences ranging from probation to more than 20 years in prison.
“It’s a huge relief for the citizens of the Bayou region,” officials said.
Law enforcement officials also noted that the drugs were funneled into Louisiana from other states, including Texas and California, and said they anticipate making additional arrests in the future.
READ MORE:Louisiana drug trafficking ring dismantled after yearslong investigation
