Alexandria, La. (5/27/2026) – Alexandria fentanyl bust investigators with the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit arrested a 28-year-old Alexandria man after agents seized approximately 1.5 pounds of suspected fentanyl during a search warrant operation on Thornton Court.
According to RADE, agents began receiving multiple community complaints in late April 2026 about suspected narcotics activity at a residence in the 1700 block of Thornton Court in Alexandria. Investigators said the complaints centered around allegations of illegal drug sales from the home.
Agents noted they were already familiar with the address because of several previous investigations tied to the location. Over the years, RADE has executed multiple search warrants there and arrested several suspects connected to drug trafficking activity.
Investigators said Craig Brown, a previous suspect tied to the residence, is currently serving time for drug trafficking offenses. In recent years, agents reportedly seized more than eight pounds of fentanyl, over four pounds of methamphetamine, marijuana, firearms, and drug paraphernalia connected to the address and related traffic stops.
As the investigation continued, agents identified Diante Brown as the primary suspect through surveillance operations and investigative techniques. Authorities later secured an arrest warrant charging Brown with Distribution of CDS II (Fentanyl). Investigators also obtained a search warrant for 1735 Thornton Court.
RADE Agents
On May 20, 2026, RADE agents, assisted by the Alexandria Police Department Special Response Team, executed the search warrant at the residence. Authorities said Brown was taken into custody without incident.
During the search, agents reportedly located 11 plastic bags containing suspected fentanyl. Investigators also seized multiple digital scales and additional drug paraphernalia. The suspected fentanyl weighed approximately 1.5 pounds.
Authorities said Brown also possessed more than $2,000 in assorted U.S. currency. Agents issued Civil Asset Forfeiture paperwork related to the seized cash.
Brown was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center-1 on charges including Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and a Probation Violation. He was also booked on an active warrant for Distribution of Fentanyl.
At the time of the release, Brown remained in custody on a $1,000,500 bond.
Investigators said the case remains active and additional arrests are possible.
“As I have said many times before, point us in the right direction and we will investigate these community complaints and follow that investigation where it takes us,” Sheriff Mark Wood stated. “We will continue to do everything we can to keep this poison out of our community and with the public’s help, we are doing that.”
The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit includes multiple law enforcement agencies across Central Louisiana along with state and federal partners. The unit continues targeting suspected narcotics trafficking throughout the region.
RADE encourages the public to report suspected narcotics activity through direct messages on the agency’s Facebook page.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law or administrative action.
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