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Largest Fentanyl Seizure in Tangipahoa Parish, LA Leads to Arrest

Written by Reisy Rosenfeld | Nov 11, 2024 5:03:24 PM

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Avenues Recovery Center is a drug and alcohol rehab in Louisiana with fifteen locations across seven states. Our state blog offers the latest on all addiction-related news in Louisiana, keeping you updated on the rise and fall of current events in your area.

 

In a record-breaking operation for Tangipahoa Parish, local law enforcement and federal agents seized over 100,000 pills containing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and oxycodone in what has become the largest drug bust in the parish’s history. The arrest of Marvin Thorn, 69, of Hammond, marks a significant moment in the area’s fight against the opioid crisis, which has been exacerbated by the growing presence of fentanyl, a powerful and often deadly synthetic opioid.

According to the WBRZ 2 news site, the operation was the result of a collaborative investigation between the Hammond Police Department and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). After weeks of surveillance and evidence gathering, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for a property on North Morrison Boulevard in Hammond. Upon entering the residence, officers discovered a staggering 44.79 pounds of illegal substances. Of these, more than 27 pounds tested positive for fentanyl—an amount capable of causing mass fatalities if distributed widely. The drugs found also included methamphetamine, oxycodone, and a substantial number of bottles of promethazine, a prescription drug that, when misused, is often combined with other substances to enhance their effects.

The scale of this operation highlights the magnitude of the illegal drug trade in small communities and its potentially devastating consequences. Fentanyl, in particular, has been a primary contributor to the rise in opioid-related deaths across the country, with even minute quantities posing a deadly risk. By removing such a large quantity from circulation, local and federal authorities have taken a crucial step in protecting the Hammond community and beyond.

This historic seizure is also a reminder of the persistent efforts required to combat drug trafficking. The partnership between local police and the DEA underscores the importance of coordination between agencies to tackle complex cases that have the potential to impact public health on a wide scale. As the investigation continues, Tangipahoa Parish law enforcement hopes to gather further information that may lead to more arrests and provide insights into the drug distribution networks operating in the area.

Marvin Thorn now faces serious charges related to drug trafficking, and if convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence. This case serves as a stark reminder of the human cost associated with the illegal drug trade and the relentless commitment of law enforcement to safeguarding communities from its impact.

If you or a loved one are entangled in a drug addiction, know that there is hope. Avenues Recovery stands as a beacon of light and support, in the darkness of addiction. Reach out to us today, and experience the magic of our supportive and professional team. Together we will help you recover and live a substance-free life.