FBI seizes weapons related to multi-state drug network

More information has come to light about a multi-state drug trafficking ring in which three Hattiesburg men were indicted earlier this month.

According to a release from the FBI, the Jackson Division’s Southeast Mississippi Safe Streets Task Force and Hattiesburg Police Department executed five search warrants on Dec.16 in Hattiesburg, where they seized a total of 17 weapons related to an alleged drug trafficking network based in Ascension Parish, Louisiana.

The investigation unearthed alleged offenses involving the trafficking of cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin by the network, which also spanned Texas and Mississippi.

The release states that authorities additionally seized 12 handguns, four rifles and one shotgun from the suspects.

Eight defendants were indicted in the case, three of which were based in Hattiesburg:

• Arthur Johnson, Jr., a.k.a. “Nelson Howard,” “Wood,” and “Dread,” age 40, of Hattiesburg, CEO of “Ruff-n-Rugged Entertainment” in Geismar, Louisiana, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, crack cocaine, and 100 grams or more of heroin; distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin; unlawful use of a communication facility; and forfeiture. Johnson was also charged with felon in possession of a firearm in the Southern District of Mississippi.
• Lashucklan Martin, a.k.a. “Fat,” age 39, of Hattiesburg, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin; unlawful use of a communication facility; and forfeiture.
• Ramsey D. Everett, a.k.a. “Ram,” age 30, of Hattiesburg, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin; unlawful use of a communication facility; and forfeiture.

Authorities told The Clarion-Ledger that Johnson, Martin and Everett are all allegedly affiliated with the Gangster Disciples street gang.

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In Mississippi, the search warrants were executed by the FBI Jackson Division’s Southeast Mississippi Safe Streets Task Force with assistance from the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. The Southeast Mississippi Safe Streets Task Force is made up of members from the FBI Jackson Division’s Hattiesburg Resident Agency, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Office of the Mississippi State Auditor and Hattiesburg Police Department.

The overall case is a major Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, which is being handled by the FBI Hattiesburg resident agency; and the Hattiesburg Police Department; the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana; the FBI Baton Rouge Capitol Area Gang Task Force, which is an FBI Safe Streets Task Force that includes the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office and Baton Rouge Police Department.

Contact Therese Apel  at 601-961-7236 or tapel@gannett.com . Follow her on Facebook  and Twitter .