Nineteen people arrested in drug-dealer round-up primarily involving crack cocaine with some heroin also; Eight others are still wanted

Sheriff’s deputies crash through a door in Violet to arrest suspects.

Prior to the round-up of wanted suspects, agents of the SID, from left, Jason Saltalmachia, Lt. Daniel Bostic and Agent Jonathan Smith go over the operation with officers from St. Bernard, State Police, the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

Sheriff’s S.W.A.T. team members in the pre-dawn hours during the round-up.

St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said the department, after receiving information that crack cocaine distribution was on the uprise, has arrested 19 people on Thursday and seek eight moré in a round-up that followed a months-long undercover investigation primarily in the Violet area.

“Crack cocaine distribution had not been a major problem in St. Bernard Parish in several years,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said. But when the Special Investigations Division heard about crack being sold the department responded to eliminate distribution networks, the sheriff said.

“By trying to stamp it out you eliminate the likelihood that people will be killed in turf wars or during robberies of drug dealers,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said.

Twelve men, four women and three juvenile males were arrested in a round-up that began before dawn and continued throughout the day. Twenty-five people were wanted in the drug round-up, with all but three cases wanted in the operation for crack cocaine distribution. Two others were for distribution of heroin and one one case involved pills. Two others were arrested during the course of the round-up on charges involving possession of marijuana and parole violation.

Agents of SID were helped by other agencies including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, State Police and the U.S. Marshal’s Service Fugitive Task Force. The Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division is commanded by Col. Robert McNab and Capt. Ronnie Martin is Assistant Commander.

Those arrested are from Violet unless otherwise designated. Arrested for heroin distribution were Jonathan Green, 44,  and Terrence Grant, 36.

Arrested for crack distribution were three juvenile males whose names weren’t released because they are minors: Jason Blaise, 28; Melody Lafrance, 42; Allen Jones, 50; Ronald Jones, 24; Michael Bell, 63; Dwestley Ratcliff, 17; Tony Washington, 27; Deshawn Matthews, 46; Tammy Trice, 56, of New Orleans; Jocrisco Trice, 34; and Tedrick Hurts, 51, of Chalmette.

Also, Bryant Major, 44, was booked with distribution of pills, Kenneth Turner, no age available, was booked with possession of marijuana and Shawn Smith, no age available,  was booked with parole violation.

Those still wanted are: Tevin Harrison, 25; Jermaine Mitchell, 40; Jermone Frederick.31 Andre Major, 31; David Johnson, 44; Damien Landry, 24; Alvin Duplessis, 47; and Ikeria Narcisse, 23.