Two-year investigation leads to 18 indictments and seizure of $1 million in illegal drugs

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A lot of illegal drugs and suspected drug dealers are off the street as the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office and officials from surrounding parishes, federal agencies, and state agencies announced the results today of a two-year investigation into major methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin trafficking in Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes. 

Eighteen individuals were federally indicted as part of the investigation. 

U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser, Eastern District of Louisiana announced that overall, the operation resulted in the seizure of more than $1 million in illegal drugs, guns, and cash.

“All of us in law enforcement – federal, state, and local – we stand together, and we will never surrender in the fight against drugs," Strasser said.  "We work together to detect, dismantle, and disrupt drug trafficking organizations.”

In connection with the investigation, more than 85 pounds of methamphetamine, as well as cocaine, heroin, cash, and guns, including AK-47 rifles. The street value of the drugs seized is approximately $1 million.

The following individuals were federally indicted in connection to the investigation:
  • Kendall Mathews, 36, of Thibodaux
  • Earl Johnson, 39, of Thibodaux
  • Montrell Cleveland, 32, of Thibodaux
  • Dontrell Mathews, 40, of Thibodaux
  • Javante Coler, 25, of Thibodaux
  • Deondre Gramma, 26, of Thibodaux
  • Larry Chatman, 28, of Thibodaux
  • Hakeam Drane, 29, of Gray
  • Spencer Rounds, 29, of Gray
  • Michael Lewis, 33, of Edgard
  • Harris Henderson, 43, of Schriever
  • Rafael Molina, 43, of Texas
  • Gustavo Balderas, 32, of Texas
  • Michael Garza, 34, of Texas
  • Daniel Cabrera-Vergara Jr., 35 of Houma
  • Laranza Thomas, 28, of Houma
  • David Mar, 24, of Houma
  • Andrew Anderson, 38, of LaPlace

“This case illustrates the value of task forces,” said Sheriff Craig Webre. “The sharing of information and resources between our local deputies and narcotics agents with Louisiana State Police and federal agents helps keep all our streets safe. These partnerships are critical with these large trafficking investigations which can span multiple jurisdictions and states.”