Hakim Shabazz, Cocaine Conspiracy, Louisiana 2023

Cocaine Trafficking Plagues New Orleans as Hakim Shabazz Faces Justice

A large-scale cocaine conspiracy rocked the city of New Orleans, with one man ultimately facing the consequences of his actions. On November 2, 2023, United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced 46-year-old Hakim Shabazz to 60 months in the Bureau of Prisons, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

The case began with a stop by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office on Interstate 10. Deputies discovered $948,174 in cash and several cell phones during the traffic stop. A closer examination of the phones revealed text messages discussing drug trafficking and ledgers detailing the operation.

Further investigation led authorities to Shabazz, who admitted to receiving cocaine shipments hidden in gas canisters. The conspiracy involved between 50 and 150 kilograms of cocaine, distributed throughout New Orleans.

Shabazz, who operated an auto body shop, was found to be at the center of the operation. The evidence collected, including phone records and text messages, painted a picture of a sophisticated cocaine trafficking ring.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit led the prosecution.

Shabazz was ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100, in addition to serving his prison sentence and supervised release. His case serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against cocaine trafficking in New Orleans.

The exact charges brought against Shabazz include conspiring to violate the Controlled Substances Act. His sentence of 60 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, sends a strong message about the consequences of engaging in large-scale cocaine trafficking.

Hakim Shabazz’s case is a stark reminder of the dangers of cocaine trafficking and the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in combating this issue.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/new-orleans-man-sentenced-role-large-scale-cocaine-conspiracy