Louisiana Man Arrested Suspected of Distribution of Fentanyl During Multi-Agency Investigation

Louisiana – A Louisiana man has been arrested on suspicion of distribution of fentanyl during a multi-agency investigation.

A significant breakthrough has been made in the fight against fentanyl distribution in Louisiana.

A joint operation involving the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office Narcotics, DEA, and Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of a suspected distributor of pressed fentanyl pills and the seizure of 3,000 lethal doses of the drug.

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office EBRSO reported on June 1, 2023, that over the previous two months, EBRSO Narcotics, with the assistance of the DEA and the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, had investigated Bernard Kinchen, who was identified as a suspected distributor of pressed fentanyl pills. Agents performed several takeaways and undercover purchases of pressed fentanyl tablets from Kinchen. Authorities acquired many search warrants and an arrest warrant for Kinchen as a result of this investigation.

EBRSO Narcotics executed all of the search warrants on June 1, 2023, with the aid of EBRSO K-9, SCAT, APSO Narcotics, and HSI Air Support.

Agents encountered Kinchen outside of his residence prior to the execution of the search and arrest warrants, at which point he fled on foot until being captured with 400 pressed fentanyl tablets in his pants pocket.

“I’m so proud and grateful for all the work these investigators have put in to combating the street-level distribution of Fentanyl,” EBR Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said. “People are dying in our community every day from this dangerous drug. A very small amount is deadly, and it kills indiscriminately. To think this seizure alone included 3,000 lethal doses is staggering. I commend our Narcotics division and all who assisted.”

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.