Lake Charles, Louisiana – A months-long investigation by the Combined Anti-Drug Task Force (C.A.T. Team) has led to the seizure of a substantial amount of narcotics and the arrest of two individuals in Lake Charles. The operation, which began in August, targeted a residence in an apartment complex on 5th Avenue where authorities had received complaints of illegal narcotics being distributed.
According to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO), detectives from the C.A.T. Team, with the assistance of the CPSO Special Operations Group (SOG) Unit, executed a search warrant at the home, resulting in the seizure of approximately 2,913 pressed fentanyl pills, 278 ecstasy pills, 85 grams of MDMA powder, 2 diazepam pills, 285 alprazolam pills, 7 grams of Xanax powder, and 318 grams of marijuana. Additionally, a handgun and various drug paraphernalia items were also found. The total estimated street value of the seized narcotics is approximately $20,000. Authorities also found over $4,000 believed to be proceeds from drug transactions.
The two individuals arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center were identified as Tyre D. Edwards, 34, and Shonteshia R. Lister, 35, both of Lake Charles. Edwards was charged with multiple counts, including possession of CDS I, possession of CDS I with intent to distribute, possession of CDS II with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm by persons convicted of certain felonies. Lister was also charged with multiple counts, including possession of CDS I with intent to distribute, possession of CDS II with intent to distribute, and possession of a CDS in the presence of persons under 17 years of age.
Judge Tony Fazzio set bond for Edwards at $2,985,000 and for Lister at $2,783,000. The investigation and subsequent arrests are a result of the C.A.T. Team’s efforts to combat the trafficking of illegal substances in Calcasieu Parish.
According to Sheriff Stitch Guillory, “Fentanyl, especially in pill form pressed to look like oxycodone, which is what we seized during this investigation, is something we are seeing more and more of, and it is deadly. The dangers of fentanyl are heightened when it is pressed into pill forms to resemble less potent drugs, as users may not realize they are ingesting fentanyl at all or possibly ingesting lethal doses.” Guillory added, “The C.A.T. Team detectives’ hard work has undoubtedly saved lives by removing these drugs from our community.”
The Combined Anti-Drug Task Force is a collaborative effort between local, state, and federal agencies aimed at disrupting the trafficking of illegal substances in Calcasieu Parish.
In a statement, Sheriff Guillory emphasized the importance of the C.A.T. Team’s work, saying, “CPSO, along with our local law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue those who traffic in these substances.”
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.