A large drug bust in New Orleans has led to the shutdown of a crack cocaine laboratory, the seizure of narcotics and a firearm, and the arrest of a local man, authorities say.
Investigation and Arrest
Authorities arrested 43-year-old Devin Harry of New Orleans after a multi-agency investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Orleans Field Division, Louisiana State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.
The investigation began in early April when federal agents and postal inspectors intercepted a suspicious package from Houston. The parcel contained one kilogram of cocaine hidden inside a board game box.
Officials linked the shipment to Harry by tracking his recent travel to Houston and the U.S.-Mexico border. On April 14, Harry allegedly accepted the package during a controlled delivery operation. Louisiana State Police later conducted a traffic stop, recovering about 66 grams of cocaine from Harry along with additional cocaine packaged for distribution.
Search of Homes and Laboratory Discovery
Search warrants were executed at homes on Pauline Street and Gravier Street, where authorities discovered a clandestine laboratory used to convert powder cocaine into crack cocaine for resale.
Seized Items and Charges
The DEA reported that investigators seized:
- 2.6 kilograms of cocaine
- 1.9 grams of fentanyl
- One firearm
- $4,680 in cash
- Various drug paraphernalia
Harry faces multiple federal and state charges, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, operation of a clandestine laboratory, firearm offenses, and drug paraphernalia charges.
Officials stressed that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty and that the investigation remains ongoing.
