New Orleans, LA – Multi-Agency Drug Bust Seizes 13,000 Tapentadol Pills, Four Arrested

New Orleans, LA – Multi-Agency Drug Bust Seizes 13,000 Tapentadol Pills, Four Arrested

New Orleans, LA – Authorities have seized more than 13,000 Tapentadol pills and arrested four individuals following a months-long multi-agency investigation into the illegal distribution of the powerful prescription drug in New Orleans.

According to Louisiana State Police, the investigation began in October 2024 when detectives assigned to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force received reports of large shipments of the Schedule II controlled substance arriving from a foreign source to multiple addresses in New Orleans. Officials say suspects used aliases to receive the shipments and resell the pills.

Investigators, including special agents from Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, intercepted multiple packages between November 2024 and January 2025, recovering more than 1,200 Tapentadol pills. Further investigation allegedly implicated USPS mail carrier Bahiyyah Shabazz, 46, of Metairie, who authorities say conspired with 21-year-old Lerone Hines of New Orleans to deliver drug shipments in exchange for cash.

Hines, Shabazz, and two others—Jeremiah Hill, 21, of New Orleans, and Derek Davis, 23, of Baton Rouge—were arrested in January. During the arrests, law enforcement seized an additional 3,600 pills and two firearms. Subsequent searches of residences reportedly uncovered more than 4,000 additional pills, illegal drugs including psilocybin mushrooms and marijuana, and thousands in cash.

All four suspects face multiple felony drug charges, with Hines and Hill also charged with firearms violations. Shabazz is charged with drug distribution, malfeasance in office, and mail theft.

Authorities warn that illegal Tapentadol sales are on the rise in New Orleans, with the medication often obtained through prescription fraud, theft, and online sources. Investigators urge the public to avoid purchasing prescription drugs from unauthorized sources.


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By Dorothy Brand