HEROIN Arrests
Three arrested in connection with an investigation into the sale of heroin in Hammond, LA.
The investigation began less than two months ago when agents from the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and Hammond Police Department’s Narcotics Agents focused their efforts on a specific area of Hammond that is known to have a high volume of illegal drug trafficking.
The target of the investigation evolved around the Best Western Hotel located on Duo Drive in Hammond, LA. with the scope of the investigation reaching as far as communities in Roseland and Amite.
During the investigation it was learned that several different subjects were allegedly distributing large quantities of Heroin, Crack Cocaine, and Powder Cocaine from hotel rooms inside the establishment. Allegations were that 20-year-old Amite resident Kevin “KJ” GRIFFIN was conducting an illegal narcotics business out of several different rooms in the hotel which have gone undetected, until now. Over the course of the investigation, agents were able to make undercover narcotics purchases of various quantities of Heroin from several different individuals in the Best Western Hotel.
On March 09, 2016, narcotics agents began surveillance on a room at the Best Western Hotel that was believed to be the source of the operation. Subsequently, three subjects were identified as being connected to the alleged illegal operation, 20 year old Kevin “KJ” GRIFFIN of Amite, 22 year old Dyketria Lettria JAMES of Roseland, LA, and 25 year old Keyerica JAMES Bennett Road in Amite, Louisiana.
As a result of further investigation agents located and initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Dyketria JAMES, and Keyerica JAMES. Consent to search the vehicle was denied. Agents were able to obtain and execute a search warrant, simultaneously as a search warrant was being executed on Room 211 at the Best Western.
The search of the vehicle revealed packaging materials and $1,700 in cash currency, while the hotel room yielded an alleged 6.3 ounces of Powder Cocaine, ½ ounce Heroin, ½ ounce Crack Cocaine, packaging material, digital scales, a 9mm Handgun with extended 31 round magazine, and $1,400 in U.S. currency in various denominations.
Agents located and made contact with GRIFFIN. A search of his vehicle revealed approximately one ounce of high-grade marijuana. GRIFFIN fled the traffic stop on foot that was conducted in Amite at I-55. GRIFFIN was taken into custody by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Office after a well coordinated effort between the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Office, Amite Police Department and Hammond Police Department.
Kevin GRIFFIN was placed under arrest for (2) two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II Powder/Crack Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I Heroin, Possession of Schedule I (marijuana), and Possession of Firearm while in Possession of Control Dangerous Substance.
Keyerica JAMES and Dyketria JAMES were placed under arrest for (2) two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II Powder/Crack Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I Heroin, and Possession of Firearm while in Possession of Control Dangerous Substance.
Sheriff Edwards stated that the Sheriff’s Office will continue to work closely with the Hammond Police Department and all law enforcement agencies to eradicate illegal drug sales in Tangipahoa Parish. The message to would-be drug-dealers is that, we want you behind bars and/or out of our communities. Edwards said he expects more arrests to follow.
