Six people arrested in synthetic marijuana drug raid

ALEXANDRIA, La. (CALF) – The Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office reported Oct. 31 that a two-month investigation into an alleged synthetic marijuana distribution operation in Alexandria resulted in the arrests of six people.

Authorities had received tips from Crime Stoppers and multiple complaints from the community about the sale of synthetic marijuana in Alexandria and began an investigation.

They were able to identify a “safe house” where the synthetic marijuana was stored, several locations in Alexandria where the drugs were sold, and several people involved in the operation.

RPSO said it obtained three warrants, two of which were executed on Oct. 10 in the 500 block of Gum Street and the 2400 block of England Drive.

On Gum Street, authorities seized approximately £49. of synthetic marijuana. Authorities discovered packaging and distribution items on England Drive.

The third search warrant was executed on Oct. 15 in the 500 block of 12th Street. Authorities discovered synthetic marijuana and methamphetamine, as well as other illegal drugs and a large sum of U.S. dollars.

As a result of the investigation, the following individuals were arrested on multiple charges:

• Jennifer Renee Roberson52, of Alexandria
  • In jail on a $300,600 bond
• Fees:
  • Distribution of CDS I (Synthetic Marijuana)
  • Criminal conspiracy to distribute illegal narcotics
  • Possession of CDS I (synthetic marijuana > 2.5 pounds) with intent to distribute
  • Obstruction of justice
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Driving under suspension/revocation

• Sameter Renea Hampton33, of Alexandria
  • In jail on a $300,500 bond
• Fees:
  • Distribution of CDS I (Synthetic Marijuana)
  • Criminal conspiracy to distribute illegal narcotics
  • Possession of CDS I (synthetic marijuana > 2.5 pounds) with intent to distribute
  • Obstruction of justice
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia

• Lasheila Renee Benjamin41, from Alexandria
  • In jail on a $175,500 bond
• Fees:
  • Possession CDS I 1st offense
  • Criminal conspiracy
  • Possession of CDS I (synthetic marijuana > 2.5 pounds)
  • Sales CDS I

• Mortez Rodreek Benjamin26, of Alexandria
  • In jail on a $525,000 bond
• Fees:
  • Sales CDS I
  • Sales CDS I
  • Distribution CDS II > 28 grams
  • Sales CDS II
  • Sales CDS I
  • Sales CDS III
  • Distribution of hallucinogenic plants (mushrooms)
  • 2 counts: Criminal conspiracy
  • Transactions involving drug proceeds
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Bringing contraband into a penal institution

• Daitreon Delshaun Benjamin39, from Alexandria
  • Released Oct. 17 on $15,175 bond
• Fees:
  • Sales CDS I
  • Obstruction of justice
  • Transactions involving drug proceeds
  • No-show

• Shauntori Jajuan Benjamin20, of Alexandria
  • Released Oct. 16 on $8,000 bond
• Fees:
  • Sales CDS I
  • Obstruction of justice
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia

*All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty*

The following was provided by the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office:

“The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit (RADE) is a multi-jurisdictional team consisting of the Alexandria Police Department, Ball Police Department, Boyce Police Department, Cheneyville Police Department, Forest Hill Police Department, Glenmora Police Department and the Grant Parish Sheriff's Office Lecompte Department, McNary Police Department, Pineville Police Department, Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office, Woodworth Police Department, Grant Parish District Attorney's Office and Rapides Parish District Attorney's Office.

The RADE Unit continues to target individuals suspected of drug trafficking in the Central Louisiana area. If you have information or would like to report drug activity, you can do so by sending direct messages to the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RADEunit/.

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