Natchitoches Parish, LA (March 19, 2023) – In a concerted effort to curb violent crime and tackle various criminal activities, law enforcement agencies in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, joined forces in a operation resulting in the arrest of over 50 individuals.
Over the course of two days, the Central Louisiana Violent Crime Abatement Team (VCAT), comprising Louisiana State Police (LSP), Louisiana Probation and Parole (LAP&P), Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office (RPSO), Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO), Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office (SPSO), and the Natchitoches Police Department (NPD), collaborated closely to execute the operation.
The primary objective of the operation was to identify and apprehend individuals involved in a range of criminal activities, including weapons violations, violent crimes, possession of stolen property, and the possession/distribution of illicit drugs.
The operation’s effort and coordination among the participating agencies yielded good results according to LSP:
- 16 individuals were arrested for possession of marijuana, with an additional arrest for possession of marijuana with intent.
- 4 individuals were apprehended for possession of methamphetamine, while 2 were arrested for possession of fentanyl and cocaine.
- Other arrests included possession of various controlled substances, multiple firearm-related offenses, resisting arrest, aggravated flight from an officer, and failure to appear warrants.
- Additionally, law enforcement seized a substantial quantity of drugs, including 570 grams of marijuana, 26.6 grams of methamphetamine, and 2 grams of fentanyl, among others. Firearms seizures included both stolen and non-stolen weapons.
In total, 83 traffic citations were issued, and 55 individuals were arrested as a result of the operation.
Louisiana State Police emphasized their ongoing commitment to collaborating with federal, state, and local partners to maintain safe communities across the state. Citizens were encouraged to report any suspicious or criminal activity using the Louisiana State Police online reporting system, accessible through the official website.
The outcome of this joint operation underscores the effectiveness of interagency cooperation in combating crime and ensuring public safety in Natchitoches Parish and surrounding areas.
