Multi-Agency Investigation Leads to Seizure of More Than 13,000 Tapentadol Pills and Multiple Arrests

New Orleans – In October of 2024, Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations Detectives in the New Orleans Field Office, assigned to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force received a report of significant amounts of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) being shipped from a foreign source to multiple residential addresses within the city of New Orleans. The investigation revealed that multiple individuals were suspected to be involved in the purchasing and selling of Tapentadol pills and were using multiple aliases to have the pills shipped to various addresses in the same area within the city.

An investigation commenced through a coordinated effort organized by LSP-HIDTA-NFO Detectives, Special Agents with Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General. Between November 2024 and January 2025, investigators were able to intercept and seize United States Postal Service (USPS) packages intended for the addresses in New Orleans and seized over 1,200 Tapentadol pills.

During the investigation, Detectives determined that a USPS mail carrier, identified as 46-year-old Bahiyyah Shabazz of Metairie, coordinated deliveries of packages containing Tapentadol with 21-year-old Lerone Hines of New Orleans on multiple occasions, in exchange for cash. The investigation led to the arrest of Hines and Shabazz in January of 2025. Additionally, 21-year-old Jeremiah Hill of New Orleans and 23-year-old Derek Davis of Baton Rouge were arrested. During these arrests, investigators seized an additional 3600 Tapentadol pills and two firearms.

As part of the investigation, a search warrant was obtained for Hines’ residence, which led to the discovery of over 1,300 additional Tapentadol pills, over 180 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 834 grams of marijuana, multiple opened and unopened USPS parcels, and over $6,000 in US currency. With the assistance of Louisiana Probation and Parole Special Response Team (SRT), Hill, who was on active probation, was subject to a compliance check due to the investigation. This check revealed an additional 2,880 Tapentadol pills, 23 grams of marijuana, and 10 grams of psilocybin mushrooms at his residence.

All arrested subjects were booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center on the following charges:

Hines: Possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II CDS (Tapentadol), Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a CDS, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Proceeds from Drug Transactions, Possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule II CDS (Marijuana and Psilocybin Mushrooms), Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Tapentadol), Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule I CDS (Marijuana).

Hill: Possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II CDS (Tapentadol), Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a CDS, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule II CDS (Marijuana and Psilocybin Mushrooms), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Tapentadol), Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule I CDS (Marijuana).

Davis: Possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II CDS (Tapentadol), Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a CDS, Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Tapentadol).

Shabazz: Distribution of a Schedule II CDS (Tapentadol), Malfeasance in Office, Mail Theft.

Since the arrests, in coordination with the USPS Inspector General’s Office, investigators have continued to seize packages intended to be delivered to the addresses and aliases used in the investigation. Over 13,000 total Tapentadol pills have been recovered since the inception of the investigation.

Tapentadol is a powerful prescription medication used to manage moderate to severe pain. It is classified as a Schedule II medication because of its high risk of abuse and addiction. While it can be highly effective for pain relief, the New Orleans area is seeing an uptick in illegal use and sales.

The medication is being obtained and sold unlawfully through various means, including prescription fraud, theft, and online sales from other countries. Illegally sold Tapentadol may also be counterfeit or contaminated with other illegal narcotics. With the increase in illegal street sales, Troopers encourage you to remain vigilant about the medications you are taking. Never purchase medication from an individual or take medication that is not prescribed to you by a physician. Additionally, be cautious about consuming medication that may impair you.

LSP HIDTA Detectives are committed to working with all law enforcement partners to reduce illegal drug activity and its impact on the local communities.

Contact Information:
Trooper First Class Jacob Pucheu
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (504) 471-2775
[email protected]