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During the months of January and February of 2026, EBRSO Narcotics began an investigation into suspect. Agents received information that suspect was distributing prescription pills throughout the Baton Rouge area. Agents were familiar with suspect, as he was the subject of a 2020 EBRSO Narcotics investigation. In that case he was also distributing prescription pills.

Through this investigation, Agents were able to conduct two controlled purchases of prescription pills from suspect. Agents identified three residences in Baton Rouge that suspect utilized for his narcotics trafficking. On February 24, 2026, with assistance from multiple divisions, Agents executed three search warrants. The following was located and seized:           

·$25,916 in currency (pending seizure) ****An amount of funds utilized in a controlled purchase were comingled****

Why are we reporting on this? The use of carfentanil, a synthetic opioid estimated as being 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine, is a significant public health concern due to its presence in the illicit drug supply (DEA, 2025). Intended as a large-animal tranquilizer, Reddit discussions indicate its emergence as a primary substance of use for highly tolerant individuals and its presence as a lethal adulterant in "street dope," counterfeit "M30" pills, and other illicit substances. Discussants describe extreme difficulties in managing withdrawal, the failure to be able to detect the substance via drug checking, and the severe risk of overdose associated with its high potency.

What is Carfentanil? Carfentanil is an ultra-potent fentanyl analog used in veterinary medicine to sedate large animals, such as elephants. In the illicit market, it is often found as a white or off-white powder and is frequently…

Our Advanced Investigations class is now online and on-demand here on the app!

UC and CI Operations are close behind.

Why are we reporting on this? Medetomidine is a potent alpha-2 adrenergic agonist identified as an adulterant in the illicit drug supply. This substance is frequently categorized in community discussions as "Tranq 2.0." Reddit discussions highlight growing alarm over this veterinary tranquilizer replacing or augmenting xylazine in fentanyl mixtures. Public health concerns are centered on the extreme potency of this substance—estimated to be 100 to 200 times stronger than xylazine—its ability to complicate overdose reversal, and its association with severe physical side effects that differ from traditional opioid or xylazine-only exposures. Reddit data indicate a significant upward trend in these discussions from January 2024 through late 2025, with a major activity peak in mid-2025 that aligns with high-profile public health alerts. 

What is Medetomidine? Medetomidine is a potent alpha-2 adrenergic agonist primarily used in veterinary medicine for sedation and analgesia. While medetomidine itself is not approved for human use, dexmedetomidine…

Louisiana traffic stop on I-12

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FrukkJcAH/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Why are we reporting on this? Amanita muscaria mushrooms are a topic of ongoing discussion regarding their presence in the US market and their reported effects among commenters. While traditionally recognized for their iconic red-and-white appearance, these mushrooms are increasingly marketed in commercial forms—such as gummies, tablets, and tinctures—available at gas stations, smoke shops, and online retailers. Reddit discussions highlight a growing trend of using these products as alternatives to psilocybin or alcohol, alongside significant concerns regarding inconsistent potency, mislabeling, and the lack of regulatory oversight for products sold in retail environments.

What is Amanita Muscaria? Amanita muscaria is a psychoactive mushroom containing the primary active compounds muscimol and ibotenic acid. Unlike "magic mushrooms" that contain psilocybin, Amanita muscaria acts primarily on the GABA and glutamate systems. It is widely available in dried cap form or as processed commercial products including gummies, chocolates, and extracts.

Public Health Impacts: Reddit discussants…

Within the last week of January of 2026, EBRSO Narcotics Agents received information that a law enforcement officer was distributing prescription pills in the Baton Rouge area. Agents began an investigation and identified the officer as Quincey LATHERS of the New Roads Police Department.

On February 4, 2026, Agents were able to conduct a controlled purchase of Oxycodone from LATHERS. Shortly after the controlled purchase, LATHERS was stopped and arrested. Agents located LATHERS New Roads Police uniform (vest and duty belt) in the back seat of his vehicle, along with his duty weapon. 

Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office Narcotics, who assisted throughout this investigation, obtained a search warrant for LATHERS' Denham Springs residence. Agents executed this search warrant and located an amount Promethazine with Codeine and an additional firearm.

LATHERS was interviewed and admitted to distributing Oxycodone on this date, as well as one other occasion. Chief Hamilton of…

Why are we reporting on this? Fentanyl continues to be a primary focus of public health surveillance due to its role in the overdose crisis. However, recent data analyzed by the NDEWS Web Monitoring Team shows a notable decline in the volume of Reddit discussions concerning fentanyl over the past six months. This trend aligns with a broader national decrease in fentanyl-related overdoses, a phenomenon recently detailed in a report in the journal Science. As noted in the accompanying article in this briefing, the Science report specifically utilizes Reddit data to track these shifting patterns, suggesting that online discourse may serve as a leading indicator for real-world public health outcomes.

What is Fentanyl? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid of high potency, estimated to be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. While pharmaceutical fentanyl is used for severe pain management, illicitly manufactured fentanyl—often found in powder form or as counterfeit…

@Andrew Palermo starting January w/that cash... with the trash pull for the win! #fundamentalsmatter

In the month of January 2026, members of the EBRSO Gang Intelligence and Enforcement Unit, led by the EBRSO SCAT, received information in reference to SUSPECT distributing Cocaine and other narcotics in Baton Rouge, LA.

Agents have conducted numerous hours of surveillance and discovered one location used to further SUSPECT'S narcotics activity. During this investigation, Agents conducted a trash pull where cocaine and THC products were located. “Knock" Search Warrants were received for the above listed address and SUSPECT'S vehicle.

  On January 26, 2026, EBRSO GIE Agents took SUSPECT into custody on a traffic stop near is residence. EBRSO SCAT then conducted a "Knock" Search Warrant on xxx Drive. The following arrests and seizures are the result of the search warrant: