Texas Traffickers Busted on I-20: $1.87M in Coke, Meth, Pot Seized

SHREVEPORT, La. – In a major blow to the multistate cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana trafficking operation, four Texas residents were sentenced in a federal court in Louisiana for their roles in the massive trafficking ring.

The individuals, Kendrick D. Riggins, 46, of El Campo, Texas, Myrna B. Grays, 70, of El Campo, Texas, Ricky L. Lawson, 64, of Ganado, Texas, and Shaheed H. Davis, 35, of Rosenburg, Texas, were convicted of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and other related charges.

United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that the four defendants were sentenced to lengthy prison terms, ranging from 60 to 150 months, followed by 4 to 5 years of supervised release. The convictions and sentences are the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Louisiana State Police.

The investigation began on January 12, 2022, when Louisiana State Police troopers conducted a traffic stop on I-20 on a Ford Expedition and a Nissan Versa, both bearing Texas license plates. During the stop, troopers detected a strong odor of marijuana and cologne emanating from the Ford, and subsequently discovered a large quantity of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana.

The investigation revealed that the four defendants were part of a larger conspiracy, with Riggins and Grays traveling to meet with Davis, who was waiting at a gas station. The group then split up, with Riggins and Davis getting into the Ford, while Grays and Lawson followed in the Nissan. The subsequent searches of both vehicles uncovered a stash of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana, with an estimated street value of $1.87 million.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mike Shannon and Retired Assistant United States Attorney Mary Mudrick. The convictions and sentences serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of multistate trafficking operations and the commitment of law enforcement agencies to dismantling these networks.

The defendants’ sentences are as follows:

Kendrick D. Riggins, 46, of El Campo, Texas, was sentenced to 108 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Myrna B. Grays, 70, of El Campo, Texas, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Ricky L. Lawson, 64, of Ganado, Texas, was sentenced to 105 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Shaheed H. Davis, 35, of Rosenburg, Texas, was previously sentenced to 150 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

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