NEW ORLEANS, LA – A major drug trafficking operation spanning three Louisiana parishes has been dismantled, with eight individuals facing federal charges following a sweeping indictment announced today. The case, spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration and multiple local law enforcement agencies, alleges a conspiracy to flood Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, and Washington Parishes with deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson revealed the indictment against: LARRY G. TURNER, 41, of Tangipahoa Parish; ELMO FRANKLIN, 42, of Tangipahoa Parish; REGGINALD HENRY, 41, of St. Tammany Parish; JYSTON DANTZLER, 26, of Tangipahoa Parish; WAYNE LONG, 39, of Tangipahoa Parish; GARRETT MCCLAIN JR., 24 of Tangipahoa Parish; ROY SHORT, 52, of Washington Parish; and TAWAN ANTHONY, 22, of St. Tammany Parish. The indictment, returned on June 26, 2025, followed the coordinated arrest of all eight suspects.
All eight are charged in Count 1 with Conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances, in violation of Title 2, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1); §841(b)(1)(A), § 841(b)(1)(B), § 841(b)(1)(C), and 846. The charges escalate from there. MCCLAIN faces additional accusations in Count 2 – possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, violating Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), §841(b)(1)(A), and § 841(b)(1)(B). HENRY and ANTHONY are hit with Count 3, alleging possession with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine and at least 40 grams of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), §841(b)(1)(B), and § 841(b)(1)(C). Finally, SHORT is named in Count 4, charged with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, violating Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and §841(b)(1)(B).
The indictment points to a conspiracy that began at an unknown date and continued until at least June 26, 2025, focusing on the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine across the Eastern District of Louisiana. The operation allegedly centered around the residence of TURNER in Tickfaw, Louisiana. A federal search warrant executed at the property uncovered a staggering amount of evidence – over five (5) kilograms of suspected fentanyl in counterfeit pill form, along with multiple firearms. HENRY and SHORT face sentencing enhancements due to prior drug trafficking convictions.
The potential penalties are severe. TURNER, FRANKLIN, LONG, and MCCLAIN could each face a mandatory minimum of ten (10) years and up to life imprisonment, along with a fine of up to $10,000,000 and at least five (5) years of supervised release. HENRY and SHORT face a similar mandatory minimum of ten (10) years and up to life, but with a potential fine of up to $5,000,000 and at least four (4) years of supervised release. DANTZLER and ANTHONY face a mandatory minimum of five (5) years, and up to forty (40) years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least five (4) years of supervised release. A $100 mandatory special assessment fee applies per count.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson lauded the collaborative effort of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (FORT), alongside the Hammond Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, 22nd JDC District Attorney’s Office, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana National Guard. Additional assistance came from the Louisiana State Police, Bogalusa Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit is handling the prosecution. Simpson stressed that the indictment is merely an accusation and that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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