I have been practicing law in New Orleans for a number of years and until recently, I have seen very few heroin arrests. You can easily do a quick Google search to see what I am referring to. Of course, as a criminal defense lawyer in New Orleans, I have defended numerous clients that are involved in drug crimes, but for the most part they might be in possession of or selling marijuana, cocaine, or prescription pills. I’m sure there are people arrested every day for heroin, but the increased amount of arrests is unsettling.
When trying to decipher and analyze what is going on in the Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, St. Tammany Parish and Saint Bernard Parish, I can try to pinpoint the heroin case to a case of someone who was the leader of a drug ring. In January, Quenshey Mitchel, a member of the Rollin 60s Neighborhood Crip gang in Los Angeles was also the mastermind behind a widespread heroin distribution network. He enlisted women to transport heroin from California to New Orleans. After murder and conspiracy charges, years of trials and appeals, it seems it could have brought light to where the heroin was going in New Orleans.
Heroin Arrests by the Numbers
It seems as though the heroin arrests are happening all over the Greater New Orleans area, including the Northshore and Saint Bernard Parish. An April article from NOLA.com, cites that since February 2014, 35 people were arrested on charges ranging from simples possession to distribution of heroin in Slidell alone. Because of this, Slidell and St. Tammany Parish created a St. Tammany Parish Narcotics Task Force that included the Slidell Police Department, Mandeville Police Department, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). In 2013, there were seven heroin overdoses in Slidell alone.
In May, a Chalmette heroin operation was broken up with eight arrested in the Saint Bernard Parish town. Not coincidentally, one of the arrests was a Slidell resident. This operation was due in part of a lot of undercover work, arrangements with narcotics agents, heroin addicts making calls, and video surveillance.
At the end of June, a New Orleans narcotics investigation came up with 15 arrests, mainly gang members. This article cites that in September 2012, the NOPD received a federal grant to be used for drug investigations.
What Happens if You’re Arrested for Heroin Possession, Sale or Distribution?
Heroin is considered a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) in Louisiana. What does this mean? Each drug is categorized into a “Schedule.” Heroin is a Schedule I Substance. They are the most dangerous and addictive drugs. This is evidenced by the increase in heroin usage at a given time. If you are arrested and convicted for simple possession of a Schedule I drug, such as heroin, penalties can vary but usually include a fine of at least $5,000 (but could be as great as $600,000), somewhere between 4-30 years in prison, or both. If you are convicted of possession of 400 grams or more of heroin, you could incur a fine of at least $250,000, 15 years in jail or both.
New Orleans Criminal Lawyer Can Help You With Your Case
Heroin is a highly addictive and abusive drug. If you or someone you know has been arrested for simple possession of, intent to sell or distribution, you should call an experienced and highly skilled criminal defense lawyer to help you with your case. Crescent City Law Firm has extensive experience with drug crimes of all levels and has successfully defended clients arrested for drug possession, dealing, trafficking and other drug crimes. You can call John Radziewicz immediately for a free initial consultation at (504) 264-9492 or (866) 459-4478, or you can send a message through e-mail here. He is available nights, weekends and off site and translators are available upon request. Don’t let your rights be violated, ensure safety for you family and call for professional assistance.
