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3 Arrested, 1 Wanted in Connection with Louisiana Narcotics Distribution Network Involving Fentanyl, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and Marijuana

Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Three have been arrested, and one is wanted in connection with a Louisiana narcotics distribution network involving fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana.

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office (EBRSO) reported on March 2, 2023, that in December of 2022, EBRSO Narcotics was called in regard to Thomas Loupe’s overdose fatality. Agents, with the help of EBRSO Homicide, identified Martell Red as the person suspected of selling the lethal dose of fentanyl that resulted in Loupe’s death.
EBRSO Narcotics conducted an investigation into Red and other co-conspirators who were operating a narcotics distribution network (Fentanyl, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and Marijuana) in East Baton Rouge Parish for the last two months. Three search warrants and two arrest warrants were acquired as a consequence of this investigation.

“I’m so appreciative of the EBRSO Narcotic Division’s diligent work to get these drugs, weapons and suspects off our streets,” Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said. “There was enough lethal doses of Fentanyl in the seizure to kill thousands of our community members. We will continue to dedicate our resources to going after these high-level drug and weapon traffickers, which play a prominent role in violent crimes in our area.”

On March 1, 2023, EBRSO Narcotics executed search warrants at addresses in the 11000 Block of Blanton Avenue, the 500 Block of Baird Avenue, and the 12000 Block of Shay Avenue with the help of K9, SCAT, Intelligence, the Central Police Department, and EBRSO Air Support.

Red, the organization’s head, was apprehended prior to the execution of the warrants. Harris ran as an EBRSO K9 conducted a vehicle stop. Deputies called off the pursuit due to Harris’s excessive speed in a school zone and the threat to public safety. A warrant was issued for Harris for the charges listed below. Anybody with knowledge on his whereabouts is urged to contact authorities or Capital Region Crime Stoppers as soon as possible.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Josef Harris 30, on the charges of Distribution of Schedule II (Fentanyl), Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (Fentanyl), Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (Methamphetamine), Possession with intent to distribute Schedule I (Marijuana), Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (Hydrocodone), Possession of a Firearm with Drugs
Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number, Aggravated Flight from an Officer, and Hit and Run.

Narcotics and currency seized during the investigation include 12 ounces of Fentanyl (up to 3,360 lethal doses), 3 ounces of Cocaine (powder), 1 gram of Crack Cocaine, 1 pressed Fentanyl Pill, 1.5 pounds of Methamphetamine
1.5 pounds of Marijuana, 31.5 dosage units of Hydrocodone pills, Digital Scales, mixing and packaging materials, $16,909 (pending seizure), Seized Firearms (4 hand guns and 5 semi-auto rifles), Glock 9mm handgun (reported stolen), Glock 9mm handgun (reported stolen), Glock 9mm handgun, Smith and Wesson .380 handgun (obliterated serial number), Sig Sauer AR-15 style rifle (.300 blackout), Anderson Arms AR-15 style pistol (.300 blackout), Anderson Arms AR-15 style pistol (.556 caliber), Century Arms AK47 style rifle (7.62 Caliber), and a Century Arms AK47 style rifle (7.62 Caliber).

Martell Red, 32 aka “The Rat Exterminator” aka “Smoove” was charged with Distribution of Schedule II (Fentanyl), Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (Fentanyl), Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (Methamphetamine), Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (Cocaine), Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (Hydrocodone), Possession with intent to distribute Schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of a Firearm with Drugs, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Operation of a Clandestine Lab, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Ernie Clark, 36, was arrested and charged with Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (Fentanyl), Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (Methamphetamine), Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (Cocaine), Possession with intent to distribute Schedule I (Marijuana), Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (Hydrocodone), Possession of a Firearm with Drugs, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Obstruction of Justice.

Kenneth Torres, 22, has been arrested and is charged with Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (Fentanyl), Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (Methamphetamine), Possession with intent to distribute Schedule I (Marijuana), and Resisting by flight.

Divisions assisting in the operation included EBRSO K-9 (Interdiction and Patrol), EBRSO Homicide, EBRSO SCAT, EBRSO Intelligence, EBRSO Uniform, DEA Task Force, Central Police Department,
EBRSO Air Support, CBP/HSI Air Support, and National Guard Air Support.

The image of Martell Red was provided by the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office from his public Instagram account. According to authorities, Red proclaims himself to be a Baton Rouge area “Rat Exterminator.” The term “Rat” is used by Red when referring to those who cooperate with law enforcement.

Authorities indicated that a large portion of this case was made possible by the Fentanyl overtime funding provided by the State via Senator Bodi White.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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