Three Suspects Arrested in Louisiana in Connection with Scheme to Smuggle Drugs into a Penal Facility

Baton Rouge, Louisiana - Three suspects have been arrested in Louisiana in connection with a scheme to smuggle drugs into a penal facility.

West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Mike Cazes said on March 9, 2023, that on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, deputies got information from West Baton Rouge Parish Jail administration about a plan to transport illegal narcotics into the West Baton Rouge Parish Jail. Narcotics Investigators were able to determine via the ensuing investigation that Kardell Samuel, 20, collaborated with Dervell Barnes, 36, an inmate at the West Baton Rouge Parish Jail, to bring illegal narcotics into the penal facility.

Deputies seized 108 grams of methamphetamine and 46 buprenorphine (Suboxone) sublingual strips as a consequence of the investigation. Three people were arrested and booked into the West Baton Parish Jail.

Kardell Samuel, 20, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana was charged with  Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II narcotics (methamphetamine), Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II narcotics (buprenorphine), and Conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal facility.

James Gianelloni, 45, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II narcotics (methamphetamine), Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II narcotics (buprenorphine), and Conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal facility.

Dervell Barnes, 36, an inmate in the West Baton Rouge Parish Jail was charged with Conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal facility.

Narcotics Detectives were able to determine that the suspects had ties to a place in Baton Rouge through the ensuing investigation. The information was sent to the BRPD's Street Crimes Unit. Baton Rouge Police officers executed a search warrant and seized 4.5 pounds of marijuana and four guns, two of which were stolen. Police indicated that another arrest was made at this location.

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.