Three Adults and Two Juvenile Suspects Arrested in Louisiana in Connection with Large Fentanyl Trafficking Operation

Narcotics agents in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana recently dismantled a large fentanyl trafficking operation, which involved three operational locations in Baton Rouge and one in Livingston Parish. The operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects, including two minors, and the seizure of 2.8 pounds of fentanyl, 1220 pressed fentanyl pills, half a pound of heroin, 2 pounds of methamphetamine, 14 dosage units of Xanax, 16 grams of marijuana, and various firearms. More arrest warrants are expected in the case.

·In the past month, according to the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, narcotics agents have examined multiple suspects suspected of conducting a clandestine fentanyl pill pressing and distribution operation in and around East Baton Rouge Parish. During the course of this investigation, agents identified three operational locations in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and one in Livingston Parish. Four search warrants and two arrest warrants were obtained through countless hours of observation and multiple controlled purchases.

Sheriff Sid Gautreaux expressed gratitude for the EBRSO Narcotic Division’s efforts to remove drugs and firearms off the community’s streets. “There was enough lethal doses of Fentanyl alone to kill approximately 6,000 people. 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.”

East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office Narcotics, with support from EBRSO K-9, EBRSO Intelligence, LPSO Narcotics, National Guard Air Support, and DEA Baton Rouge, executed search warrants at the suspected locations on 15 December 2022. Upon the execution of the search warrant at the facility being utilized as a clandestine Fentanyl pill-pressing lab, agents apprehended two minors who seemed to both reside and operate at the location under the direction of Marvin Brown. The subsequent seizures and arrests are a consequence.

Narcotics and currency seized include, 2.8 pounds of powder Fentanyl (over 5,000 deadly doses), 1220 Pressed Fentanyl Pills (over 1,220 deadly doses), ½ pound of Heroin, 2 pounds of methamphetamine, 14 dosage units of Xanax, 16 grams of Marijuana, $6,304 (pending seizure), Fentanyl Lab Equipment, 3 electric tablet presses (used to press powder Fentanyl into pill form), 1 hydraulic kilo press (used to repress fentanyl into the brick form), 1 small handheld fentanyl press, numerous blenders with fentanyl residue, F/N .45 caliber semi-auto handgun (reported stolen), Smith and Wesson .357 revolver (reported stolen), Raven .25 caliber semi-auto handgun (reported stolen), Taurus 410 revolver, Cobra .380 caliber semi-auto handgun, Springfield .40 caliber semi-auto handgun.

Marvin Brown, 32, was arrested and charged with distribution of Schedule II (Fentanyl), distribution of Schedule II (Cocaine), Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (Fentanyl), Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (Methamphetamine), Operation of a Clandestine Drug Lab, Possession of a Firearm with Drugs, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Kendell Morris, 42, was arrested and charged with Distribution of Schedule II (Fentanyl), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Resisting an Officer

Ashton Taylor, 33, was arrested and charged with, Possession with intent to distribute Schedule I, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

A 17-year-old juvenile was arrested and charged with, Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (Fentanyl), Operation of a Clandestine Drug Lab, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

A 17-year-old juvenile was arrested and charged with, Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (Fentanyl), Operation of a Clandestine Drug Lab, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Authorities indicated that more arrest warrants are likely at a later date.

Agencies that assisted in the investigation include, Central PD, EBRSO K-9 (Interdiction and Patrol), EBRSO Intelligence, EBRSO Uniform, DEA Baton Rouge, Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics
, National Guard Air Support

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office 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 innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.