Major Drug Network Dismantled in Vernon Parish

11 individuals arrested in multi-agency operation targeting drug trafficking

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft announced the outcome of a nearly two-year investigation that uncovered and dismantled a massive drug operation in Vernon Parish. The coordinated effort between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies led to 11 arrests and the recovery of large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine.

Why it matters

The dismantling of this drug network is a significant win for public safety in the Vernon Parish area, which has been impacted by the flow of illegal drugs. The multi-agency collaboration demonstrates the effectiveness of law enforcement partnerships in tackling complex criminal enterprises.

The details

The investigation, which began in late 2024, targeted a drug-trafficking network operating in Vernon Parish and surrounding communities. Eleven individuals were indicted on January 21 for their alleged roles in the network, including DeTrail Harris, Kameron Harris, Barry Pearson, and others. Law enforcement recovered 25 pounds of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of cocaine, 2,000 fentanyl pills, $125,000 in cash, and several gold bars.

  • The investigation began in late 2024.
  • The 11 individuals were indicted on January 21, 2026.
  • The announcement of the operation's outcome was made on Monday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Sam Craft

Vernon Parish Sheriff who led the investigation and announced the operation's outcome.

LaDonte Murphy

Assistant U.S. Attorney who provided details on the investigation and the seized drugs.

Bo Lummus

Deputy Superintendent of the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations, who described the operation as "extremely complex".

Lane Allen

Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division's Fort Polk Office, who emphasized the importance of protecting the local community around military members.

DeTrail Harris, Kameron Harris, Barry Pearson, Frank Coleman Jr., Earl 'Nook' Thompson, Michael Womack, Sevesta Sweet, Charles Jackson, Andrew Bulloch, Craig Hopkins, and Buford 'Dog Pound' Sawyer

Eleven individuals indicted for their alleged roles in the drug-trafficking network.

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What they’re saying

“These coordinated efforts resulted in multiple takedowns of local distribution sources within Vernon Parish, as well as a disruption of several supply chains originating outside the state.”

— Sam Craft, Vernon Parish Sheriff (americanpress.com)

“We believe those pills were intended to be distributed from south to central Louisiana.”

— LaDonte Murphy, Assistant U.S. Attorney (americanpress.com)

“When you consider the complexity of infiltrating networks in a smaller setting like Vernon Parish, it can be even more difficult and dangerous than with networks in larger areas such as Shreveport or New Orleans.”

— Bo Lummus, Deputy Superintendent, Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations (americanpress.com)

“(Our military members) and their families are a part of this local community. This is where they live, where they shop, where they work, so any time a threat is posed by criminal activities such as this, then we get involved to help suppress those threats. We want this to serve as a clear message: if you introduce harmful drugs to the areas around our warfighters, we will hold you accountable.”

— Lane Allen, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division's Fort Polk Office (americanpress.com)

What’s next

The investigation remains ongoing, and all 11 individuals are currently in the custody of U.S. Marshals.

The takeaway

This multi-agency operation demonstrates the effectiveness of law enforcement collaboration in dismantling complex drug trafficking networks, even in smaller communities like Vernon Parish. The seizure of significant quantities of drugs and assets highlights the impact these efforts can have on public safety and the flow of illegal substances in the region.