Six arrests in drug bust involving synthetic marijuana

ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) – The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office reported Oct. 31 that a two-month investigation into an alleged synthetic marijuana distribution operation in Alexandria resulted in the arrest of six people.

Authorities had received tips from Crime Stoppers and several complaints from the community about the sale of synthetic marijuana in Alexandria and began an investigation.

They were able to identify a “safe house” where the synthetic marijuana was stored, a number of places in Alexandria where the drugs were sold and several people involved in the operation.

RPSO said they were able to obtain three arrest warrants, two of which were executed on Oct. 10 in the 500 block of Gum Street and the 2400 block of England Drive.

On Gum Street, authorities seized approximately £49. of synthetic marijuana. On England Drive, authorities discovered packaging and distribution items.

The third search warrant was executed on October 15 in the 500 block of 12th Street. Authorities discovered synthetic marijuana and methamphetamine, among other illegal drugs, and a large sum of U.S. currency.

As a result of the investigation, the following people were arrested on multiple charges:

Jennifer Roberson, 52, of Alexandria(RPSO)

Jennifer Renée Roberson52, of Alexandria
- In jail on $300,600 bond
Costs:
- Distribution of CDS I (synthetic marijuana)
- Criminal conspiracy to distribute illegal narcotics
- Possession of CDS I (synthetic marijuana > 2.5 lbs) with intent to distribute
- Obstruction of justice
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Driving under suspension/revocation

Sametre Hampton, 33, of Alexandria(RPSO)

Sameter Renea Hampton33, of Alexandria
- In jail on $300,500 bond
Costs:
- Distribution of CDS I (synthetic marijuana)
- Criminal conspiracy to distribute illegal narcotics
- Possession of CDS I (synthetic marijuana > 2.5 lbs) with intent to distribute
- Obstruction of justice
- Possession of drug paraphernalia

Lasheila Renee Benjamin, 41, of Alexandria(RPSO)

Lasheila Renee Benjamin41, of Alexandria
- In jail on $175,500 bond
Costs:
- Ball possession CDS I 1st violation
- Criminal conspiracy
- Possession of CDS I (synthetic marijuana > 2.5 lbs)
- Distribution CDS I <2.5 pounds (synthetic marijuana)

Mortez Rodreek Benjamin, 26, of Alexandria(RPSO)

Mortez Rodreek Benjamin26, of Alexandria
- In jail on $525,000 bond
Costs:
- Distribution CDS I <2.5 pounds (synthetic marijuana)
- Distribution CDS I <2.5 pounds
- Distribution CDS II > 28 grams
- Distribution CDS II < 28 grams
- Distribution CDS I <2.5 pounds (synthetic marijuana)
- Distribution CDS III
- Distribution of hallucinogenic plants (mushrooms)
- 2 counts criminal conspiracy
- Transactions involving proceeds from drug crimes
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Introduction of contraband into a penal institution

Mortez Benjamin, 26, of Alexandria(RPSO)

Daitreon Delshaun Benjamin39, of Alexandria
- Released Oct. 17 on $15,175 bond
Costs:
- Distribution CDS I < 28 grams
- Obstruction of justice
- Transactions involving proceeds from drug crimes
- Don’t show up

Shauntori Jajuan Benjamin, 20, of Alexandria(RPSO)

Shauntori Jajuan Benjamin20, of Alexandria
- Released Oct. 16 on $8,000 bond
Costs:
- Distribution CDS I <2.5 pounds (synthetic marijuana)
- Obstruction of justice
- Possession of drug paraphernalia

*ALL PERSONS WILL BE PROVEN INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY*

The following was provided by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office:

“The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit is a multi-jurisdictional team consisting of the Alexandria Police Department, Ball Police Department, Boyce Police Department, Cheneyville Police Department, Forest Hill Police Department, Glenmora Police Department and the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office of the Lecompte Police Department. Department, McNary Police Department, Pineville Police Department, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Woodworth Police Department, Grant Parish District Attorney’s Office and the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office.

The RADE Unit continues to target individuals suspected of narcotics trafficking in the Central Louisiana region. If you have any information or would like to report drug activity, you can do so by sending direct messages to the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RADEunit/.”

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