| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1713 | 2010-02-19 | Troop B | State Police Joint Investigation Leads to Dismantlement of Drug Trafficking Organization |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP B- NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Date: February 19, 2010 State Police Joint Investigation Leads to Dismantlement of Drug Trafficking Organization In January 2010, Louisiana State Police Narcotics agents assigned to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA), along with New Orleans Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents received information from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Narcotics Division, regarding a drug trafficking organization that was transporting high grade hydroponic marijuana from California and Atlanta, GA to the New Orleans metro area. The information was received by GBI through an active investigation that was being conducted in Atlanta. Agents identified the main distributer in New Orleans as Paul Cattoche (W/M, age 57) of New Orleans. During the investigation, approximately five pounds of high grade hydroponic marijuana were seized. Each pound of this specific marijuana has an estimated street value of $4,700.00. On February 17, 2010, State Police HIDTA and DEA agents executed four search warrants for locations identified through the investigation. Four arrests were made and a small amount of hydroponic marijuana, hashish, psilocybin mushrooms and approximately $5,000.00 in US currency were seized. Simultaneous warrants were executed in Atlanta, leading to the arrest of the head of the organization. Additional hydroponic marijuana and US currency were seized in Atlanta. Cattoche was arrested in Atlanta when the warrants were executed. For more information contact: Trooper Melissa Matey Public Affairs Unit Louisiana State Police – Troop B Office: (504) 471-2780 melissa.matey@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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