Published: 11-25-2025 | Category: Troop NOLA
New Orleans – In November 2025, the Louisiana State Police (LSP) - Troop NOLA, along with detectives from the LSP Bureau of Investigations - New Orleans Field Office assigned to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force partnered with agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), and the Violent Crime Abatement Investigation Team (VCAIT) for a joint investigation.
Initiated by NOPD, this collaboration was prompted by a series of violent crimes, including two homicides within two weeks near 2825 Philip Street in New Orleans. On November 19, 2025, law enforcement launched Operation Traffic Control, a coordinated effort using investigative techniques including surveillance, targeted traffic stops on vehicles suspected of drug activity, and support from Project NOLA. This operation aimed to disrupt criminal activity and enhance public safety in the area.
As a result of the operation, eight firearms were seized, two of which were stolen, along with nearly $12,000 in U.S. currency. In addition, more than 38 grams of cocaine, 34 grams of fentanyl, and various drug paraphernalia commonly used in the distribution of illegal narcotics were recovered. That same day, six individuals were arrested, with an additional suspect the following day, in connection with the investigation:
James Marcelin (33 years old): Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Four counts of Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a CDS, Possession of a Firearm with a Obliterated Serial Number, Possession of a Firearm in a Firearm Free Zone, Possession of Schedule I CDS (Heroin and Marijuana), Possession of Schedule II CDS (Cocaine, Fentanyl and Tapentadol), Possession of Schedule III CDS (Suboxone), Possession of Schedule IV CDS (Tramadol), Possession of Schedule V CDS (Gabapentin), Two counts of Illegal possession of stolen property, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Proceeds from drug transactions.
Andre Lewis (56 years old): Possession of Schedule I CDS (Heroin), Possession of Schedule II CDS (Cocaine and Meth), NOPD Warrant for Attempted Murder and 2nd Degree Armed Robbery.
Jarren Hunter (29 years old): Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a CDS, Resisting an Officer, Possession of Schedule I CDS (marijuana), Possession of Schedule II CDS (Cocaine), and Proceeds from drug transactions.
Syjuan Chriss (21 years old): Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a CDS, Possession of Schedule II CDS (Fentanyl), Resisting an Officer, Obstruction of Justice, NOPD Warrant - Domestic Battery.
Kalvin Lang (20 years old): Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a CDS, Possession of Schedule I CDS (marijuana), Possession of Schedule II (Tapentadol), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Jaquell Rhodes (21 years old): Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a CDS and Possession of Schedule II CDS (Tapentadol).
Trahan Johson (31 years old): Possession of Schedule II CDS (Tapentadol).
All arrested subjects were booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center. This case remains under investigation.
Troop NOLA is committed to working with all law enforcement partners to reduce illegal drug activity and its impact on the local communities. Anyone with potential information related to this case or other criminal activity is urged to share that information with LSP Detectives. Information can be reported anonymously through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting File a Report or calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.
Contact Information:
Trooper Danny Berrincha
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop NOLA
Office: (225) 877-6279
[email protected]