Days before Super Bowl LIX at the New Orleans Caesars Superdome, Louisiana State Police conducted a major drug bust within the city. In a statement, law enforcement officials revealed the bust had been in the works since October 2024.
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“Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations Detectives in the New Orleans Field Office, assigned to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force, received a report of significant amounts of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) being shipped from a foreign source to multiple residential addresses within the city of New Orleans.”
The officials further stated that the investigation led to the discovery of multiple individuals. They were suspected to be involved in the purchase and selling of Tapentadol pills. The suspects also were allegedly using numerous aliases. This was to have the pills shipped to various addresses within the same area of New Orleans.
“Between November 2024 and January 2025, investigators were able to intercept and seize United States Postal Service (USPS) packages intended for the addresses in New Orleans and seized over 1,200 Tapentadol pills,” the official shared.
Detectives involved in the investigation determined that a USPS mail carrier, identified as Bahiyyah Shabazz. He allegedly coordinated the Tapentadol deliveries with Lerone Hines on multiple occasions. Both Shabazz and Hines were arrested in January 2025.
Other suspects involved in the investigation, Jeremiah Hill and Derek David, were also arrested. During the arrests, investigators seized an additional 3600 Tapentadol pills and two firearms.
Suspects Were Hit With Multiple Drug Charges Following New Orleans Bust
Investigators also searched Hines’ residence. They discovered more than 1,300 additional Tapentadol pills, over 180 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, and 834 grams of marijuana. Multiple opened and unopened USPS parcels and over $6,000 in US currency were also opened.
“With the assistance of Louisiana Probation and Parole Special Response Team (SRT), Hill, who was on active probation,” officials continued. “[He] was subject to a compliance check due to the investigation. This check revealed an additional 2,880 Tapentadol pills, 23 grams of marijuana, and 10 grams of psilocybin mushrooms at his residence.”
Hines was charged with multiple drug offenses. Among the charges were possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II CDS and possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a CDS. Hines was also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, proceeds from drug transactions, and possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule II CDS. He was handed a conspiracy to distribute a schedule II CDS and conspiracy to distribute a schedule I CDS charge.
Shabazz has been charged with the distribution of a Schedule II CDS (Tapentadol), Malfeasance in Office, and Mail Theft.
The other two suspects were also hit with multiple drug charges and are behind bars.