Central Louisiana operation nets 124 arrests, drugs, firearms

RAPIDES and AVOYELLES PARISHES, La. (WNTZ) — A two-day criminal enforcement operation led by the Central Louisiana Violent Crime Abatement Team (VCAT) resulted in 124 arrests and significant seizures of drugs, firearms, and currency, authorities announced Thursday.

The collaborative effort included the Louisiana State Police (LSP), Louisiana Probation and Parole, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Pineville Police Department, and Alexandria Police Department.

The operation focused on detecting, identifying, and apprehending individuals involved in various criminal activities, including weapons violations, violent crimes, possession of stolen property, and the possession and distribution of illicit drugs.

Seizure totals from the operation include:

• Drugs: 2.11 pounds of marijuana, 5 grams of crack cocaine, 84 grams of methamphetamine, 44 grams of fentanyl, and 211 prescription pills.
• Firearms: 14 seized.
• Traffic citations issued: 36.
• Arrests: 124 individuals taken into custody.
• Currency seized: Approximately $5,046.
• Vehicles seized: 1.

Louisiana State Police officials praised the multi-agency collaboration, emphasizing their continued commitment to working alongside federal, state, and local partners to maintain safe communities across the state.

Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious or criminal activity in their areas by utilizing the Louisiana State Police’s online reporting system at http://lsp.org and clicking the Suspicious Activity link.