LOUISIANA — A multi-agency drug investigation in New Orleans has led to the shutdown of a crack cocaine laboratory, the seizure of narcotics and a firearm, and the arrest of a local man, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Authorities said 43-year-old Devin Harry of New Orleans was arrested following an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Orleans Field Division, along with the Louisiana State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations.
Investigators said the case began in early April when federal agents and postal inspectors intercepted a suspicious package shipped from Houston to New Orleans. Inside the parcel, authorities discovered one kilogram of cocaine hidden inside a board game box.
Officials said investigators linked the package to Harry after tracking his recent travel to Houston and the U.S.-Mexico border region.
On April 14, authorities conducted a controlled delivery operation in which Harry allegedly accepted the package. Shortly afterward, Louisiana State Police conducted a traffic stop on St. Claude Avenue.
During the stop, authorities said they recovered about 66 grams of cocaine from Harry along with additional cocaine packaged for distribution and the intercepted parcel.
Search warrants were later executed at homes on Pauline Street and Gravier Street, where investigators said they discovered a clandestine laboratory used to convert powder cocaine into crack cocaine for resale.
According to the DEA, authorities seized 2.6 kilograms of cocaine, 1.9 grams of fentanyl, one firearm, $4,680 in cash and assorted drug paraphernalia during the investigation.
Harry was booked into the Orleans Parish Jail and faces multiple federal and state charges, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, operation of a clandestine laboratory, firearm offenses and drug paraphernalia charges.
The investigation remains ongoing. Officials noted that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
