Police said that a drug trafficking investigation led to the arrests of Tyrin Truong and other individuals in Bogalusa.
In April 2024, the Louisiana State Police Narcotics/Violent Crime Task Force launched a “comprehensive” investigation into a drug-trafficking organization that operated in the region. According to health officials, Louisiana had 2,456 drug-related deaths in 2023.
The operation of the joint task force found that the organization distributed various drugs including opioids and high-grade marijuana. It also discovered THC products, MDMA, and THC products. Officials said that the operation used social media to manage payments and distribute drugs. Officials said that the profits from drug sales were used for purchasing firearms. Some of the firearms were then given to people who were banned from possessing them. Police have said that some firearms are linked to violent crime in the area.
Seven arrest warrants were issued, including one for Truong. Truong, the city’s youngest Mayor after he defeated incumbent Wendy Perrette by a surprising margin in 2022 is now facing charges of transactions related to proceeds of drug offenses. He also faces charges for unauthorized use of an item of furniture and soliciting prostitutes.
Six other people face charges relating to transactions involving proceeds of drug crimes. Three of the six people face charges of conspiracy to distribute Schedule I controlled substances. One of them faces an extra charge of distribution of a Schedule II drug.
Police said all seven will be booked into the Washington Parish Jail. Truong was booked into the jail on Tuesday afternoon, according to online records.
Louisiana State Police said that it will release more information on the case. The agency noted that “a number of other matters and people remain under investigation for matters separate from or related to today’s arrests”.
In a press release, District Attorney Collin Sims stated, “We will continue to invest our time and resources in helping the citizens of Bogalusa.” “We aren’t finished.”
