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An investigation into a drug ring selling crack cocaine led to four arrests in Orleans County recently, according to the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force – and it all began with a traffic stop.
When two people were pulled over and arrested on parole warrants, crack cocaine was found by law enforcement. Based on this find, investigators then went to a Shelby apartment on Salt Works Road and arrested another man upon finding and seizing more crack cocaine at the location. During the course of their investigation, a fourth person shot a gun out of window at the back of apartment. He was arrested as well, noting that he appeared to be under the influence at the time.
Through the course of the investigation, officers seized cash, drug paraphernalia, two shotguns, and more than 20 grams of crack cocaine. Charges among the four individuals included felony third-degree and fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and/or felony first-degree reckless endangerment. All were processed into the Orleans County Jail.
Effective Resources
Arrests like these, for possession of a controlled substance, happen every day across Louisiana. Unfortunately, these arrests are an indication of the need for help and treatment – not the need for incarceration, which is the end result for many.
The fact is that treatment for substance use disorders is far more effective than incarceration in helping people to make healthier choices in the future. With the exception of the gunshot by the person who was under the influence at the time of the investigation and arrest, the other incidences did not have violent convictions – and almost all have prior drug-related convictions. Rather than another stint in jail followed by a return to active drug abuse, addiction, purchase and use of illegal substances, followed by more arrests and jail time, it seems clear that the best way to break the cycle is to connect people in situations like these with the treatment that will help them overcome the problem and transition into a more balanced life.
Because the court and other law enforcement agencies have the most frequent interactions with people who are struggling in this way, it stands to reason that the implementation of court-ordered drug addiction treatment is the best solution.
The Arrests
The police department received a tip about a suspicious vehicle in the area. Officers arrived on the scene and approached the vehicle, where they found four individuals inside. A search of the vehicle revealed a large amount of crack cocaine, along with drug paraphernalia.
All four individuals were taken into custody and charged with possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute.
Quantity of Crack Cocaine Seized
During the search of the vehicle, officers discovered a total of 500 grams of crack cocaine. The large quantity of the drug suggests that the individuals were likely involved in a significant drug operation. This bust marks a major win for the New Orleans Police Department in their ongoing efforts to crack down on drug trafficking in the area.
It's worth noting that crack cocaine is an extremely addictive and dangerous drug. Its use can lead to a range of negative health consequences, including heart attack, stroke, and respiratory failure. In addition to its physical effects, it can also have serious social and economic impacts on individuals and communities affected by addiction.
Penalties for Possession of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Distribute in Louisiana
In Louisiana, penalties for possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute are severe. A conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence and substantial fines.
The severity of the punishment typically depends on several factors, including the quantity of drugs involved, the location of the offense, and whether any aggravating circumstances were present.
For example, if the amount of crack cocaine seized is greater than 28 grams and/or the offender has a prior criminal record, they may face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines.
Additionally, if the offense occurred within 1,000 feet of a school or other designated area where children are present, such as a park or playground, the penalty can be increased even further.
As such, it's crucial for individuals who are facing drug charges to seek out experienced legal counsel as soon as possible. An attorney can help navigate the complex legal system and work to minimize potential penalties.
Drug Use and Trafficking Statistics in Louisiana
Drug use and trafficking are major issues in Louisiana, particularly in cities like New Orleans. According to data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Louisiana has some of the highest rates of illicit drug use in the country.
In 2019, an estimated 3.5% of Louisiana residents aged 12 or older reported using cocaine within the past year, compared to the national average of 2.0%. Additionally, 1.5% reported using crack cocaine specifically, which is higher than the national average of 0.4%.
The state has also experienced high rates of opioid-related deaths in recent years. In 2018, there were a total of 348 opioid overdose deaths in Louisiana, a rate of 7.6 deaths per 100,000 persons – higher than the national average.
In terms of drug trafficking, Louisiana's location along major transportation routes makes it a hub for drug smuggling and distribution. The state's proximity to Mexico and its numerous ports along the Gulf Coast make it an attractive location for drug traffickers.
Overall, drug use and trafficking continue to be significant problems in Louisiana and require ongoing efforts from law enforcement agencies to combat them effectively.
The Impact of Crack Cocaine
Crack cocaine is a highly addictive and dangerous drug that can have serious consequences for those who use it. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, crack cocaine use can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart attacks, seizures, and respiratory failure.
In addition to the health risks, crack cocaine use can also have a negative impact on individuals' personal and professional lives. Many people who use crack cocaine struggle with addiction and may experience financial difficulties, legal troubles, and strained relationships.
Involvement of Other Law Enforcement Agencies
While the New Orleans Police Department led the investigation and made the arrests in this crack cocaine bust, it's worth noting that they may have received assistance from other law enforcement agencies.
Drug trafficking is a serious issue that often requires collaboration between multiple agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. Depending on the scope of the operation and the resources required to investigate it, it's possible that other agencies may have played a role in this particular bust.
However, at this time, it's unclear whether any other agencies were involved in the investigation leading up to these arrests. The New Orleans Police Department has not released any information about additional agency involvement.
Regardless of whether other agencies were involved in this specific case, inter-agency collaboration is an important tool in combating drug trafficking and other types of criminal activity. By working together and sharing resources, law enforcement can more effectively identify and apprehend individuals who are engaged in illegal activities.
The Importance of Drug Busts
Drug busts like the one in New Orleans are an important tool in combatting drug trafficking and reducing the availability of dangerous drugs like crack cocaine. By taking drug dealers off the streets and seizing their supply, law enforcement agencies can help protect communities from the negative impact of drug use.
Drug busts also send a strong message to those who engage in drug trafficking and other criminal activity. By demonstrating that illegal behavior will not be tolerated, law enforcement agencies can deter others from engaging in similar activities.
The Desire to Change
Though many have successfully taken advantage of drug court programs – being able to create a new sober life that involves neither drug use nor legal issues and also being able to clear their record – some continue to struggle. Most drug court programs are very strict. They provide treatment to those with drug-related charges but the individual must:
- Follow all the rules associated with the program.
- Show up on time.
- Remain clean and sober throughout the process.
- Avoid further police contact.
- Follow other rules dictated by the court according to the individual circumstance (e.g., find housing, find employment, etc.).
- Be present at all check-ins with a case manager and court dates.
If all of these rules are followed, people who take part in these programs will, by nature of the program, come out on the other side with a far more balanced life. They will also be able to avoid incarceration for the length of time stated by the judge, and after a certain period, may even have the option of having their record expunged as long as they maintain their drug-free status and avoid further arrests.
For people who are deep in addiction, even if there is a desire to avoid the consequences associated with drug-related legal charges, there may be difficulty in maintaining the requirements of the program. Some may not have reliable transportation to get to and from outpatient treatment programs or to maintain appointments with their case managers. Others may be homeless or have a home that is shared with others who continue to actively use and abuse drugs and alcohol – a situation that is not conducive to maintaining sobriety, especially in early recovery. The end result is that those who are deeply entrenched in addiction are unable to take advantage of the services they need most and end up in a cycle of addiction and incarceration that is difficult to break.
The Next Step
How do we help people who are struggling with addiction to get treatment? What is the next step for communities and families who are in crisis due to ongoing substance use and abuse?
Conclusion
The crack cocaine bust in New Orleans is a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by drug use and drug trafficking. While drug busts can have a positive impact on communities, they are just one part of a larger effort to address the root causes of drug addiction and to promote healthier and safer communities for all.
