ALEXANDRIA, La. (12/12/2024) – The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit made several arrests in Alexandria following a fatal drug overdose in November 2024. Investigators identified key suspects involved in fentanyl distribution, leading to search warrants and charges against three individuals.
In early November, RADE agents and detectives from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division (CID) began investigating a suspected fentanyl-induced overdose. After weeks of investigation, agents identified two primary suspects and obtained search warrants for two locations in Alexandria.
Arrests and Evidence on Leo Street
On December 4, 2024, RADE agents executed a search warrant in the 5200 block of Leo Street. Two individuals, Anthony Karl Reed and Christopher Jerome Perkins, were detained during the search. Inside the residence, agents found:
• Two plastic baggies containing smaller baggies of fentanyl.
• A digital scale with Reed’s photo ID.
• Two bottles of prescription cough syrup, one containing codeine and the other promethazine, with labels not matching anyone at the residence.
• Perkins was also found with a baby bottle containing codeine syrup.
Reed was arrested for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of codeine, possession of promethazine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. During booking, correction deputies discovered additional fentanyl hidden on his person, resulting in further charges for possession and introduction of contraband into a penal institution. Reed is being held on a $602,500 bond.
Perkins was charged with possession of codeine and resisting an officer. He was released later that day on a $2,100 bond.
Arrest on Shannon Drive
Later that day, RADE agents executed a second search warrant at a residence in the 1700 block of Shannon Drive. The sole occupant, Eddie Ray Turner, was taken into custody without incident. Turner was found with a baggie of fentanyl in his possession. He was arrested on four counts of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and multiple contempt of court warrants. Turner remains in custody on a $209,500 bond.
As the investigation continued, RADE agents uncovered further evidence implicating Reed in the distribution network. On December 6, Reed was charged with an additional 26 counts of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
This investigation underscores the growing threat of fentanyl in Central Louisiana. The RADE Unit, a multi-jurisdictional task force composed of law enforcement agencies across the region.
The public is encouraged to report any suspected drug activity to the RADE Unit via direct messages on their Facebook page at RADE Facebook.
Charges and Bonds:
Anthony Karl Reed, 35
• Charges: Possession of CDS II (Fentanyl) with Intent to Distribute, Possession of CDS IV (Codeine), Possession of a Legend Drug (Promethazine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Introduction of Contraband into a Penal Institution, and 26 counts of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl.
• Bond: $602,500.
Christopher Jerome Perkins, 41
• Charges: Possession of CDS III (Codeine), Resisting an Officer.
• Bond: $2,100.
Eddie Ray Turner, 32
• Charges: Four counts of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Contempt of Court.
• Bond: $209,500.
The RADE Unit continues its investigation, and further arrests are possible.
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