ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) – The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office reported on October 31, that a two-month investigation into an alleged synthetic marijuana distribution operation in Alexandria resulted in the arrest of six people.
Authorities had received Crime Stoppers tips and several community complaints about the sale synthetic marijuana in Alexandria and began an investigation.
They were able to identify a ‘safe house’ where the synthetic marijuana was stored, a number of places in Alexandria where the drugs were sold and several people involved in the operation.
RPSO said they were able to secure three warrants, two of which were executed on October 10th at the 500 block of Gum Street and 2400 block of England Drive.
On Gum Street, authorities seized about 49 lbs. of synthetic marijuana. On England Drive, authorities discovered packing and distribution items.
The third search warrant was executed on October 15, in the 500 block of 12th Street. Authorities discovered synthetic marijuana & methamphetamines, among other illegal drugs and a large sum of U.S. currency.
As a result of the investigation, the following people were arrested on multiple charges:
Jennifer Roberson, 52, of Alexandria(RPSO) Jennifer Renee Roberson, 52, of AlexandriaIn jail on a $300,600 bondCharges:Distribution of CDS I (Synthetic Marijuana)Criminal Conspiracy to Distribute Illegal NarcoticsPossession of CDS I (Synthetic Marijuana > 2.5 lbs) with Intent to DistributeObstruction of JusticePossession of Drug ParaphernaliaDriving under suspension/revocation
Sametre Hampton, 33, of Alexandria(RPSO)Sametre Renea Hampton, 33, of AlexandriaIn jail on a $300,500 bondCharges:Distribution of CDS I (Synthetic Marijuana)Criminal Conspiracy to Distribute Illegal NarcoticsPossession of CDS I (Synthetic Marijuana > 2.5 lbs) with intent to DistributeObstruction of JusticePossession of Drug Paraphernalia
Lasheila Renee Benjamin, 41, of Alexandria(RPSO)Lasheila Renee Benjamin, 41, of AlexandriaIn jail on a $175,500 bondCharges:Possession CDS I 1st offenseCriminal ConspiracyPossession of CDS I (Synthetic Marijuana > 2.5 lbs)Distribution CDS I <2.5 pounds (Synthetic Marijuana)
Mortez Rodreek Benjamin, 26, of Alexandria(RPSO)Mortez Rodreek Benjamin, 26, of AlexandriaIn jail on a $525,000 bondCharges:Distribution CDS I <2.5 pounds (Synthetic Marijuana)Distribution CDS I <2.5 poundsDistribution CDS II > 28 gramsDistribution CDS II < 28 gramsDistribution CDS I <2.5 pounds (Synthetic Marijuana)Distribution CDS IIIDistribution of hallucinogenic plants (mushrooms)2 counts Criminal ConspiracyTransactions involving proceeds from drug offensesPossession of drug paraphernaliaIntroduction of contraband into a penal facility
Mortez Benjamin, 26, of Alexandria(RPSO)Daitreon Delshaun Benjamin, 39, of AlexandriaReleased on October 17 on a $15,175 bondCharges:Distribution CDS I < 28 gramsObstruction of JusticeTransactions involving proceeds from drug offensesFailure to appear
Shauntori Jajuan Benjamin, 20, of Alexandria(RPSO)Shauntori Jajuan Benjamin, 20, of AlexandriaReleased on October 16 on an $8,000 bondCharges:Distribution CDS I <2.5 pounds (Synthetic Marijuana)Obstruction of JusticePossession of drug paraphernalia
*ALL PERSONS ARE PRESEUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY*
The following was provided by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office:
“The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit is a multi-jurisdictional team comprised of the Alexandria Police Department, Ball Police Department, Boyce Police Department, Cheneyville Police Department, Forest Hill Police Department, Glenmora Police Department, Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office Lecompte Police Department, McNary Police Department, Pineville Police Department, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Woodworth Police Department, Grant Parish District Attorney’s Office and the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office.
The RADE Unit continues to target individuals suspected of trafficking narcotics in the Central Louisiana area. If you have information or would like to report any narcotics activity, you may do so by sending direct messages to the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RADEunit/.”
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