Alexandria, LA (1/31/2024) – On January 29th, 2024, agents from the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit concluded an investigation into marijuana trafficking in Central Louisiana, resulting in the arrest of Stephen Marquise Batiste, a 30-year-old resident of Alexandria, LA.
Following weeks of surveillance, RADE Agents identified Batiste as a suspect involved in marijuana distribution in Rapides and Avoyelles Parishes. The agents intercepted a package containing high-grade marijuana, leading to the discovery that Batiste was in possession of approximately eight pounds of the substance with the intent to distribute.
Agents apprehended Batiste after he took full possession of the marijuana. A subsequent search incident to arrest revealed that Batiste was carrying a firearm. He was arrested without incident and transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center.
Batiste faces charges of possession of CDS I (Marijuana) with intent to distribute and illegal carrying of a firearm with narcotics. The Narcotics Detectives from the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office collaborated in the investigation.
The RADE Unit, comprising various law enforcement agencies, continues its pursuit of individuals involved in narcotics trafficking in Central Louisiana.
Citizens with information or those wishing to report narcotics activities can contact the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement through direct messages on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RADEunit/.
For those preferring anonymity and potential cash rewards, Crime Stoppers of Cenla can be reached at (318) 443-7867.
