$1.5 Million In Cocaine Seized, 3 Arrested In Louisiana

Authorities in Louisiana say they have made multiple arrests and seized $1.5 million worth of cocaine following an investigation into interstate drug trafficking.

Louisiana State Police said troopers and investigators with the Louisiana State Police Narcotics / Violent Crime Task Force, which includes multiple local law enforcement agencies, in coordination with the FBI, conducted a joint narcotics investigation targeting members of a drug trafficking organization in Tangipahoa Parish.

Multiple search warrants executed in the Hammond area on Tuesday resulted in the seizure of approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of around $1.5 million, along with one Glock handgun and approximately $7,150 in U.S. currency. Three people were arrested and booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on drug and weapons charges.

Jorge Lira, 19, and Eliberto Guajardo, 38, both of San Juan, Texas, were each charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

Brice Strain, Jr., 44, of Tomball, Texas, was charged with possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

Louisiana State Police, the lead investigative agency in the case, said the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests could follow.

Police are asking anyone with information about illegal drug activity to report it online at www.lsp.org or by contacting the Louisiana State Police Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.