Two Oklahoma Men Arrested in $1.5M Lafayette Drug Bust

Authorities seized 168 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of over $1.5 million.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 6:33pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a large bag of marijuana buds, the texture and details of the plant material sharply illuminated by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A targeted police raid uncovers a massive stash of illegal drugs, exposing the continued challenges in combating the illicit drug trade.Lafayette Today

Two men from Oklahoma, Billy Shi, 38, and Jeffery Weston, 48, were arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana after a targeted narcotics operation by Lafayette Police. Officers seized approximately 168 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $1.5 million during the raid.

Why it matters

This large-scale drug bust highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to disrupt the illegal drug trade and address the prevalence of marijuana trafficking, which remains a significant problem in many communities despite shifting attitudes toward cannabis legalization.

The details

Lafayette Police executed a targeted narcotics operation on March 31 in the 2000 block of W. Pinhook Road. After searching the building, officers seized approximately 168 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $1,522,440. Both Shi and Weston were arrested and booked into the Lafayette Parish jail, though details on their bond have not been released.

  • The narcotics operation and arrests took place on March 31, 2026.

The players

Billy Shi

A 38-year-old man from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma who was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Jeffery Weston

A 48-year-old man from Marlow, Oklahoma who was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Lafayette Police

The law enforcement agency that executed the targeted narcotics operation and made the arrests.

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What’s next

The suspects will face judicial proceedings to determine their bond and next steps in the legal process.

The takeaway

This large drug bust demonstrates the ongoing challenge law enforcement faces in combating the illegal drug trade, particularly the trafficking of marijuana, which remains a significant issue in many communities despite shifting attitudes toward cannabis legalization.