Two men arrested in Alexandria for selling THC vapes to students

ALEXANDRIA, La. (WNTZ) – Agents with the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit arrested two individuals Tuesday following an investigation into the alleged sale of THC vape pens to high school students from a residence in Alexandria.

The investigation began in early February after RADE agents received complaints that Dion Derek Duran Jr., 33, was selling THC vape pens from his home on Warshauer Street. Agents used surveillance and investigative techniques to confirm the reports, ultimately securing a narcotics search warrant for the residence.

On Feb. 25, agents executed the warrant at 1220 Warshauer Street, where they found Antonio Malik Daniels inside. Duran arrived shortly after the search was initiated. A thorough search of the home led to the seizure of:

• 252 THC vape pens, along with THC edibles and high-grade marijuana
• Approximately 200 Xanax pills, 500 fentanyl-pressed pills, and five ecstasy pills
• Seven firearms
• 1.5 ounces of powder cocaine
• Approximately $30,000 in cash
• Various items of drug paraphernalia

Daniels was arrested and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center on multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana derivatives, illegal carrying of firearms with drugs, and transactions involving drug proceeds.

Duran was also arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana derivatives, fentanyl, and Xanax, as well as illegal carrying of firearms with drugs. He remains in jail on a $75,000 bond.

Authorities have raised concerns about the impact of THC vape sales on minors. Louisiana ranks among the highest in teen vaping rates nationwide. According to a 2023 survey, 30% of high school students in the state reported using e-cigarettes in the past month, compared to 17% nationwide. Data from Tobacco Free Living indicates that more than half of Louisiana high school students have used e-cigarettes, and nearly one-third reported use in the past 30 days.

“We want to encourage parents to discuss the dangers of these THC vapes being sold to their children,” Rapides Parish Sheriff Mark Wood said. “The concentration strength of these THC vape pens is significantly stronger and can cause THC poisoning, not to mention other ingredients that could damage their lungs or brain cells.”

The RADE Unit is a multi-jurisdictional task force that includes law enforcement agencies from across Central Louisiana. The unit remains committed to targeting individuals suspected of narcotics trafficking in the region. Community members with information on drug-related activities are encouraged to contact the RADE Unit via its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RADEunit/.