A significant drug bust in East Baton Rouge Parish has led to the arrest of a suspected fentanyl trafficker and the seizure of thousands of lethal doses of the drug. On September 17, 2024, Charles Brown, 25, and two others were taken into custody following a comprehensive investigation into their alleged drug trafficking operation.
The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office reported that agents executed search warrants at multiple locations connected to Brown and his associates. The operation was the result of a two-month investigation, initiated after DEA agents in Atlanta tipped off local authorities about a narcotics transaction involving Brown.
“Officials said narcotics agents began a two-month investigation into Brown, a known Baton Rouge area polydrug trafficker, after receiving a tip in July from DEA agents in Atlanta who surveilled a narcotics transaction involving him,” the sheriff’s office stated. Previous intelligence had suggested Brown was distributing substantial amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Baton Rouge and its surrounding areas.
During the operation, agents observed Brown conducting a transaction with a female, who was later found in possession of one kilogram of fentanyl. The search warrants were executed at locations on Mapleton Drive, Riverview Drive, Airline Highway, and Old Hammond Highway.
Seized Items:
- 1.25 kilograms of fentanyl (approximately 12,520 lethal doses)
- 281 dosage units of Suboxone
- Hydraulic press (for reconstituting narcotics)
- Multiple digital scales, blenders, and packaging materials
- $2,280 in cash
- Sig Sauer 9mm handgun (reported stolen through Baton Rouge Police Department)
- Glock 9mm handgun (reported stolen through St. Landry Sheriff’s Office)
- Glock .45 caliber handgun
Arrests:
- Charles Brown, 25, was charged with distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and Suboxone, possession of drug paraphernalia, and operation of a fentanyl lab.
- Jamari Chambers, 21, was charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, illegal carrying of a firearm with drugs, and illegal possession of a stolen firearm.
- Elizabeth Billiot, 25, was charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, and illegal possession of a stolen firearm.
The operation involved several divisions, including EBRSO SWAT, EBRSO K9, EBRSO SCAT, EBRSO Gang Intelligence, DEA Atlanta, DEA Task Force (Baton Rouge), and HSI Air Support.
This successful bust highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the spread of dangerous narcotics and prevent their distribution in the community.
References:
- East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office
- DEA Atlanta
- Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD)
- St. Landry Sheriff’s Office (SO)
