Slidell Police Make 75 Drug Arrests In Two Month Narcotics Crackdown

The Slidell Police Department says a two month narcotics enforcement operation resulted in 75 arrests, 13 search warrants and the seizure of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, hundreds of pills and multiple firearms as detectives targeted illegal drug activity throughout Slidell and the surrounding area.

According to Slidell Police, detectives with the department’s Narcotics Division conducted a series of proactive investigations throughout July and August. Police said some of the investigations developed over an extended period of time, while others resulted directly from proactive enforcement efforts aimed at identifying people suspected of possessing and distributing illegal narcotics in the community.

Slidell Police Seize Fentanyl, Methamphetamine And Cocaine

Police reported seizing approximately 87 grams of methamphetamine, 97 grams of fentanyl, 284 grams of cocaine, 910 Tapentadol pills and seven firearms during the two month enforcement period. The department said detectives used surveillance, traffic interdiction and court authorized search warrants during the investigations.

The amount of fentanyl seized is particularly notable because of the drug’s potency and the continuing danger associated with illicit fentanyl in the illegal drug supply. The department did not provide an estimated street value for the narcotics seized or specify how many individual investigations contributed to the overall totals.

The operation was not conducted by the Narcotics Division alone. Slidell Police said members of its K9 and Traffic Divisions assisted with enforcement efforts, along with local, state and federal law enforcement partners. Homeland Security Investigations and Louisiana State Police worked closely with Slidell detectives during several of the investigations.

The St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office also provided support and resources through its Opioid Initiative, according to the department. Police credited cooperation among the different agencies with helping investigators identify individuals suspected of distributing dangerous drugs and providing detectives with additional resources needed to pursue the cases.

Eight Arrests Highlighted By Slidell Police

While the overall enforcement effort resulted in 75 arrests, Slidell Police specifically highlighted eight people connected to what the department described as several of the more significant investigations conducted during the two month period.

Those individuals were identified by police as Christopher Buelle, Tiffany Deroche, Robert Paulhus, Kayla Hamilton, Celina Cooper, Dorothy Ashley and Aaron Sylvester. The department’s announcement lists seven names despite referring to highlighted arrests from several investigations.

Slidell Police did not provide individual allegations or charges for each person in the announcement. The names were released as part of the department’s summary of the narcotics enforcement effort, and an arrest or accusation does not establish guilt. Anyone facing criminal charges is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The larger number of arrests compared with the individuals specifically highlighted indicates the enforcement effort extended well beyond those cases. Police said the investigations collectively resulted in 13 search warrants and 75 arrests during July and August.

Chief Tommy Williams praised the detectives and officers involved in the investigations while emphasizing the role cooperation between agencies played in the results.

“These results are a reflection of the work our detectives are putting in every day, but they also show what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together and share resources,” Williams said.

Williams also issued a warning to people involved in selling illegal drugs in the Slidell area, saying the department intends to continue its enforcement efforts.

“Those who choose to sell dangerous drugs in our community should understand that our efforts are not slowing down. We are going to continue finding them and holding them accountable,” Williams said.

Narcotics Investigations To Continue In Slidell

The department described the July and August arrests as part of a continuing effort rather than the conclusion of its narcotics enforcement operations. Slidell Police said it remains committed to proactively identifying and investigating people involved in illegal narcotics activity while continuing to work with other law enforcement agencies.

The seizures also demonstrate that the investigations involved more than one type of illegal drug. Detectives reported recovering methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine along with hundreds of Tapentadol pills. Tapentadol is a prescription opioid pain medication, and the department did not provide additional information in its announcement explaining the origin of the pills or how they were allegedly being distributed.

Seven firearms were also recovered during the investigations. Police did not specify which individual cases involved the firearms or whether additional weapons related charges resulted from their seizure.

The department’s announcement did not provide a complete breakdown of all 75 arrests, the charges filed against each individual or the locations where the 13 search warrants were executed. Additional information about individual cases may become available as those cases proceed through the court system.

For Slidell Police, the two month operation represents a significant concentration of narcotics enforcement activity, averaging more than one arrest per day during July and August. The department says those efforts will continue as detectives work with other agencies to identify suspected drug distribution activity throughout Slidell and the surrounding area.

The Rabbit Hole News will continue following major public safety and narcotics enforcement developments across St. Tammany Parish.