Carl J. Hurst, Fentanyl Trafficking, Louisiana 2019

A brazen plot to flood the streets of New Orleans with kilos of deadly fentanyl has landed a local man behind bars. Carl J. Hurst, 35, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue and 100 grams or more of heroin.

According to court records, Hurst conspired with others to order kilograms of acetylfentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl, from a Chinese manufacturer. The sinister plan, uncovered by authorities, saw Hurst and his coconspirators mix the acetylfentanyl with heroin or sell it as a standalone product in the New Orleans area.

The scope of the operation was staggering, with Hurst admitting to ordering up to 9 kilograms of the acetylfentanyl in 2014 and 2015. The potential harm caused by this illicit trade is immeasurable, and law enforcement officials are breathing a sigh of relief that the perpetrators have been brought to justice.

Hurst is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a maximum sentence of life, a possible fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release upon his release from prison.

The investigation was led by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking. U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon Long and Nicholas Moses are responsible for the prosecution. Hurst is set to be sentenced on October 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of fentanyl trafficking and the importance of continued vigilance by law enforcement agencies. As the nation grapples with the opioid crisis, it is more crucial than ever to disrupt and dismantle the networks responsible for fueling this epidemic.

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