Avenues Recovery, an addiction treatment center in Louisiana, is pleased to share that the The Baton Rouge Police Department has conducted a historic drug bust this past week. In what authorities are calling the largest drug bust in Baton Rouge history, a man has been arrested following the seizure of massive quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine. The arrest marks a significant victory for the Baton Rouge Police Department's ongoing efforts to combat the deadly opioid crisis that has plagued the region.
According to The Advocate, Cendy Sammy Keophimanh, 42, was apprehended and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on multiple counts related to drugs and firearms. Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr. announced the arrest during a news conference held Thursday at the department's headquarters. While Chief Morse declined to divulge specific details, he confirmed that the investigation is far from over, with the possibility of additional arrests in the coming days.
The operation was conducted by the Special Investigations Unit, a division created earlier this year by Chief Morse to intensify the department's focus on narcotics. The unit executed searches at several residences on Keaty Drive, Adams Avenue, and Vermillion Drive, uncovering a staggering $500,000 worth of drugs. Among the confiscated substances were approximately 4.6 pounds of fentanyl, 150 pounds of methamphetamine, 546 grams of heroin, 1,061 grams of black tar heroin, and 478 grams of marijuana. Detectives also seized 22 dosage units of Alprazolam, a kilo press, and several weapons.
The most alarming find was the fentanyl, a synthetic opioid notorious for its potency and high risk of causing fatal overdoses. Chief Morse highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that just one pound of fentanyl has the potential to cause lethal overdoses for 250,000 people. The seizure of 4.6 pounds, therefore, represents a monumental threat that has been removed from the streets.
This historic bust comes as Baton Rouge sees a 25% reduction in overdoses compared to the same time last year, a promising trend attributed to the efforts of the Special Investigations Unit and the work of local advocates. According to District Attorney Hillar Moore, this is the first time in 12 years that Baton Rouge has witnessed a consistent decline in both fatal and nonfatal overdoses.
Given the sheer volume of drugs seized, Keophimanh faces the possibility of life in prison. District Attorney Moore emphasized the seriousness of the charges, equating them to those in homicide cases due to the lethal impact these substances could have had on the community.
While the police department celebrates this significant victory, Tonja Myles, a local advocate and peer support specialist, reminds the community that the fight against addiction is far from over. Myles and her team work closely with law enforcement, responding to overdose calls to offer support and resources to affected families. She acknowledges the progress made but stresses the importance of continued collaboration to ensure that those struggling with addiction know that hope and help are available.
The largest drug bust in Baton Rouge history is a crucial step in the ongoing battle against the opioid epidemic, but as Myles put it, "We're excited, but we're not satisfied." The fight continues, and the community's collective efforts remain vital in turning the tide against this deadly crisis.
If you or your loved one are struggling with an addiction, reach out to Avenues Recovery to receive the help you deserve. With the right help and support, you can and will recover.