Three arrested in Ponchatoula fentanyl investigation

PONCHATOULA, La. (WGNO) — Three men have been arrested in Ponchatoula following a fentanyl investigation that came to a head on Feb. 25.

According to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, an investigation began in the area of South Range and Brickyard roads due to complaints about drug trafficking. The alleged trafficking activity was traced to a home in the 41000 block of Jefferson Road, which had a “high amount” of visitors over several weeks.

On Tuesday, the Louisiana Department of Probation and the Parole SWAT team, along with the TPSO, searched the home, finding and arresting 24-year-old Demarkeal Pines. As police arrested Pines, 35-year-old Carderro Frederick and 17-year-old Marvin Wells reportedly ran from the house and allegedly threw packages of drugs along the way.

A K-9 team and a drone operator were utilized to locate the two suspects, who were then arrested.

In searching all three suspects, as well as the home, deputies say they found fentanyl pills, meth, marijuana, crack cocaine, heroin, a cocaine-water solution and other materials commonly used to convert powder cocaine into crack cocaine, digital scales, packaging material and $1,500 in cash.

Frederick and Wells were both booked on charges of operation of a clandestine laboratory, conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances, resisting an officer and possession with intent to distribute heroin/fentanyl, crack cocaine and methamphetamines.

Pines was booked as a fugitive from probation and parole, and on other charges of operation of a clandestine laboratory and conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances.

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