10 arrested on drug charges in Louisiana sting operation

Ten different people were recently arrested on drug charges in Springhill. The arrests were made as a part of an undercover drug sting. According to law enforcement officials, a police informant offered Xanax bars and meth to various individuals, arranging for a meeting at a motel. Undercover agents completed the alleged drug deals, and then the arrests and drug charges were made.

The police chief said that the sting operation was the culmination of six months of investigations and two more weeks of preparation. He said that the suspects who were apprehended were from various parts of Louisiana, not just Springhill. His hope is that the arrests will serve to discourage further activity of this type in the area.

The individuals arrested were males and females between the ages of 25 and 57. Most of them were charged with possession of meth and/or Xanax. Other charges included drug paraphernalia possession, drug distribution, criminal conspiracy and resisting arrest.

When police in Louisiana conduct sting operations of this nature, and when numerous people are arrested at once, the drug charges brought against the accused may not always be accurate. During the process of defending themselves against the allegations, each person will individually have the chance to cast doubt on the prosecution’s version of the facts. They may succeed in getting some or all of their charges dropped. The burden of proving the criminal charges rests squarely with the government, and if the accusations are not supported by evidence that meets a stringent measure of proof, no conviction can be obtained.

Source: ksla.com, ‘Operation Ice Cream:’ 10 arrested in Springhill drug bust, No author, Jan. 9, 2014