Meth Kingpin Leon Thompson Busted in Buras, LA

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – In a major blow to the city’s narcotics scene, 39-year-old Leon Thompson of New Orleans has pleaded guilty to violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act.

According to court documents, Thompson was delivering methamphetamine and other drugs to a residence in Buras, Louisiana, on March 16, 2023. Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s deputies learned of his plans and conducted surveillance, eventually locating Thompson at a fisheries plant in Plaquemines Parish.

Thompson was seen driving to and entering the plant, where he remained for about ten minutes. After leaving, he headed to the Buras residence, where he was met by the deputies. In an attempt to dispose of the evidence, Thompson threw a cellophane bag containing 21.61 grams of methamphetamine to the ground.

Deputies seized the methamphetamine and arrested Thompson. They also discovered 1.13 grams of fentanyl in his vehicle. In a post-arrest statement, Thompson revealed that he stored the drugs at his place of employment, leading officers to seize 17.99 grams of fentanyl and a digital scale from the plant.

Thompson faces a mandatory minimum term of five years and a maximum term of forty years for the methamphetamine charge, along with a fine of up to $5,000,000.00 and a mandatory minimum term of supervised release of four years. For the fentanyl charge, Thompson faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three years.

Thompson’s sentencing is set for August 15, 2024. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, with Assistant United States Attorneys André Jones and Lauren Sarver handling the prosecution.

This guilty plea marks a significant victory in the ongoing effort to combat methamphetamine trafficking in the region. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.