Shreveport Police Dept.

Date: July 13, 2007

Phone: 318/673-6932 Fax: 318/673-6933

Contact: Kacee Hargrave, Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Operation 'Gangsta Smash' Dismantles Marijuana Organization

Shreveport – An eight month investigation entitled “Operation Gangsta Smash” led by the Shreveport/Caddo Midlevel Narcotics Unit, the Louisiana State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration, culminated early this morning when nearly 70 agents and officers from local, federal, and state law enforcement agencies conducting a series of search warrants and arrest warrants on the members of a marijuana distribution organization operating throughout the city of Shreveport.

Today’s enforcement activity was the result of one of the largest marijuana investigations in Shreveport history. This organization was responsible for acquiring hundreds of pounds of marijuana from Texas and redistributing it throughout the city of Shreveport in various amounts from ounces to several pounds.

A total of nine (9) residences were searched by Special Response Teams of the Louisiana State Police, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Shreveport Police Department. Several of these residences were fortified with bars across the doors and surveillance cameras. At the various locations Agents discovered and seized several pounds of marijuana (some of which was already packaged for resale on the street); drug sales paraphernalia (such as scales and plastic baggies); approximately $6,000 in cash (in small bills); and three automobiles. Federal arrest warrants were issued on 4 subjects and an additional two persons were arrested as a result of the search warrants. It is believed that more arrests will be made at a later time.

Persons Arrested

Patrick JONES – DOB: 07/07/1979

Ronald FORD – DOB: 06/27/1965

Jerry BROWN – DOB: 07/20/1980

Loreco SMITH – DOB: 12/31/1977

Quenel BROADWAY – DOB: 09/27/1985

Chauncy BROADWAY – DOB: 12/04/1971

Information can be left with crimestoppers at 673-7373 or by logging onto the crimestoppers website at www.crimestoppersshreveportcaddo.com.

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View all SPD press releases at www.ci.shreveport.la.us/dept/police/spdnews