It started nearly a year ago when Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotics officers made an undercover purchase of a small amount of illegal narcotics. It ended Tuesday when agents from multiple agencies swooped in to enforce warrants on 13 federal indictments for conspiracy to distribute drugs.
During the course of the investigation, agents also seized a large quantity of illegal narcotics including 17 pounds of methamphetamine, five pounds of cocaine, 40 pounds of marijuana and several thousand fentanyl pills. Total street value of the seized narcotics reportedly is just under $300,000.
“This is an investigation that mushroomed into a drug bust of major proportions,” Sheriff Jason Parker said. “Our narcotics unit is constantly surveilling suspected dealers and we make buys when we can. We never stop there. We always try to take it up the ladder to the major sources, and that’s what happened in this case.”
Parker said as the investigation continued to expand, other agencies were asked to participate.
Eventually, eight other agencies provided assistance that ultimately led to the 13 indictments in Webster Parish stretching from Springhill to Heflin.
“We initiated the investigation and as it grew, we received critical assistance in resources and manpower from other agencies that are always ready to help,” Parker said.
Capt. Bobby Igo III, head of the WPSO narcotics unit, said many man-hours went into the year-long investigation.
“It was multiple agencies working together successfully that led to these indictments,” Igo said. “And these are federal indictments. That means the punishment for these conspiracy cases will be swift and severe.”
Igo said the list of law enforcement agencies lending support to the Sheriff’s investigators include the Minden Police Department, DEA, the Louisiana National Guard counter drug division, Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier City Police Department and the Louisiana State Police.
All suspects named in the indictments have been placed in custody, Igo said. Names of individuals arrested have not been released.
“We have put some major players in illegal drugs out of business in Webster Parish, but this doesn’t mean we’re going to rest on our success,” Parker said. “Our drug investigations are ongoing. This is something that we’re not going to tolerate in our parish. People need to know that if you’re dealing drugs, we’re coming for you no matter how long it takes.”