Eight arrested in Baton Rouge drug bust; 1.7 lbs. of fentanyl seized

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office arrested eight suspects in two major drug operations.

According to EBRSO Sheriff Sid Gautreaux, eight people were arrested after two separate drug investigations. The department’s Gang Intelligence and Enforcement Unit (GIE) conducted a series of search warrants, resulting in the seizure of over 1.7 pounds of fentanyl, which is equivalent to over 7,800 lethal doses. The searches also revealed eight illegally possessed guns, including a machine gun.

“This week’s operations show the tremendous work our deputies are doing alongside our partners to protect this community,” said Sheriff Gautreaux. “By removing these dangerous drugs and illegal guns, we are preventing countless potential overdoses and violent crimes. I am proud of the dedication and teamwork that made these arrests possible.”

First investigation: 2 suspects arrested

An investigation was conducted during July and August and found alleged drug dealer Malchai Tillman, 46. Agents made controlled purchases of crystal meth and fentanyl.

The search of an apartment complex in the 3400 block of Bluebonnet Boulevard turned over the following:

• 1.72 pounds of fentanyl (7,802 lethal doses)
• 6.9 ounces of crystal meth
• 30.5 grams of synthetic marijuana
• 11.4 grams of marijuana
• Blender (fentanyl residue)
• Pyrex measuring cup (cocaine residue)
• Vacuum sealer
• (2) digital scales
• Bottle of acetone (used to make synthetic THC)
• Narcotics cutting agent
• Boxes of plastic bags
• $1,181.00
• Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun

Malchai Tillman charges:

• Two counts of distribution of Schedule II drugs
• Two counts of possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule II drug
• Possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule I drug
• Possession of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance
• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Operation of a Clandestine Lab

Troy Bell, 37, was arrested during the search warrant. He faces charges of possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule II drug, possession of a Schedule I drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Second investigation: 6 arrested

In July, deputies were notified by the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office of cocaine distribution in EBR. The department obtained search warrants for four locations: a home in the 7000 block of Silverleaf Drive, a home in the 5600 block of E. Crown Avenue, a home in the 5400 block of Cadillac Street, and a home in the 7000 block of Kent Drive in Baker.

After the searches, the following items were seized:

• 27.3 grams of marijuana
• 27 dosage units of Tapentadol
• 16 grams of crack cocaine
• 7.25 dosage units of oxycodone
• 6.7 grams of MOJO (synthetic opiate)
• Digital scales
• $5,862 in currency
• Three 9mm handguns
• Three .40 cal. handguns (one reported stolen)
• a stolen .38 revolver
• rifle

The following suspects were arrested after the search warrants:

• Daylajasha Banks, 20
  • Possession with the intent to distribute Schedule II drugs,
  • Possession of marijuana,
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia,
  • Possession of Schedule III drugs,
  • Two counts of illegal carrying of a firearm,
  • Illegal possession of a stolen firearm
• Daylon Banks, 22
  • Possession with the intent to distribute Schedule II drugs,
  • Possession of marijuana,
  • Possession of Schedule III drugs,
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia,
  • Aggravated battery of a dating partner
• Deondrick Lucas, 21
  • Possession with the intent to distribute Schedule II drugs,
  • Three counts of illegal carrying of a firearm with drugs,
  • Illegal possession of a stolen firearm
• Tory Minton, 21
  • Illegal use of a machine gun
• Leslie Coleman, 22
  • Four counts of aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon,
  • Battery of a dating partner
• Gerald Coleman, 52
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia

Latest News