The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit concluded a months-long investigation April 16, 2026, into the distribution of crack cocaine in Alexandria, resulting in the arrest of a local man and the seizure of narcotics, cash, and firearms.

Agents identified the suspect as Freddie Lee Henton Jr., 50, of Alexandria, and obtained two arrest warrants as part of the investigation. Authorities also secured search warrants for two locations allegedly connected to Henton, including a residence on Rose Marie Street and a location on North Street believed to be used for drug distribution.

Searches of both locations led to the discovery of approximately 82 grams of crack cocaine, 1.04 pounds of powder cocaine, a semi-automatic AK-47-style pistol, about eight ounces of promethazine cough syrup, packaging materials, drug paraphernalia, and glassware commonly used in the production of crack cocaine. Investigators also seized more than $8,000 in cash.

Henton was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center. He was booked on multiple charges, including possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substances with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal carrying of a firearm with narcotics, possession of a legend drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, along with two distribution warrants and a parole violation.

Authorities said Henton is currently on parole for a prior drug conviction from 2018 and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He remains in custody on a parole violation, with bond on the additional charges set at $80,500. Civil asset forfeiture paperwork was also issued for the seized cash.

RADE officials noted the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are possible.

The RADE Unit is a multi-agency task force made up of local, parish, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working to combat narcotics trafficking in Central Louisiana.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.