In the early weeks of October 2024, Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit began to receive multiple community complaints in reference to an individual identified as Tyrone Barnes Jr., allegedly selling Fentanyl in various neighborhoods in Alexandria.
RADE Agent’s began their investigation and surveillance efforts began immediately. Through a variety of different investigative techniques, Agents were able to secure an arrest warrants for Barnes Jr. for two counts of Distribution of Fentanyl and a search warrant for his “stash” house located at 1001 Cheney St. in Alexandria.
A patrol deputy assigned to the RADE Unit initiated a traffic stop on Oct. 29 in Pineville on a vehicle Barnes, Jr. was observed driving. Barnes Jr. was taken into custody without incident and was arrested for the active distribution warrants. RADE Agents then executed the search warrant at his Cheney Street “stash” location. A search of the residence revealed Barnes Jr. had just less than two ounces of Fentanyl hidden in the house along with over $9,000 in assorted U.S. currency. Suboxone strips and several Buprenorphine pills, both listed as a Schedule III narcotic, were also located in the house.
Barnes Jr. was later transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center and booked for the three Distribution of CDS II (Fentanyl) warrants, Possession of CDS II (Fentanyl) with Intent to Distribute, and two counts of Possession of CDS III. Barnes Jr. remains in jail at the time of this release being held on a $303,000 bond.
RADE agents say their investigation is still ongoing.
The RADE Unit continues to target individuals suspected of trafficking narcotics in the Central Louisiana area. Anyone having information regarding any narcotics activity can report by sending direct messages to the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Facebook page.