Over 700 Arrested in Major Louisiana Gang and Drug Crackdown

Federal, state and local law enforcement made hundreds of arrests and seized drugs, guns and cash.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Federal, state and local law enforcement in Louisiana have made more than 700 arrests during a months-long operation targeting violent gangs and drug trafficking. The crackdown, which started in October, resulted in the seizure of 176 firearms, large amounts of drugs like fentanyl, and over $250,000 in cash.

Why it matters

The coordinated law enforcement effort aimed to dismantle violent criminal networks and disrupt the supply chains of drug cartels operating in Louisiana. The arrests and seizures highlight the ongoing challenge of combating gang violence and the opioid crisis in the state.

The details

The multi-agency operation, which involved the FBI, U.S. Attorney's Offices, and state/local police, led to 742 arrests statewide. Authorities recovered 176 firearms, large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana and other drugs, as well as over $250,000 in cash. The crackdown targeted high-crime areas and the leadership of violent gangs and drug trafficking organizations.

  • The operation started in October 2025 and ran for several months.
  • On February 13, 2026, law enforcement announced the results of the crackdown.

The players

Jonathan Tapp

FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge.

Zachary A. Keller

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana.

Operation NOLA Safe

A separate crackdown in the Eastern District of Louisiana that has resulted in 175 arrests so far.

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What they’re saying

“The FBI and our partners used targeted enforcement in high crime areas to get drug dealers, violent gangs, and criminals off the streets. We are focused on drug cartels and violent gangs wherever they are operating all over the country. We are targeting their supply chains, their financing, and arresting their leaders and criminal associates.”

— Jonathan Tapp, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge (Fox News)

“This operation demonstrates the power of federal, state, and local law enforcement working together to dismantle violent criminal networks. The arrests and seizures we've made highlight the serious threat posed by cartel‑connected trafficking in Louisiana, and we will continue to hold those who bring deadly drugs and firearms into our communities accountable.”

— Zachary A. Keller, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana (Fox News)

“We're getting the job done with intelligence – surveillance – and leads that we're getting from the community. Our agents and task force officers are using their collective knowledge and expertise to stop criminal activity in its tracks. These aren't just investigations or statistics for us. We eat, sleep, and breathe violent crime. We are committed to making New Orleans one of the safest places in the country.”

— Jonathan Tapp, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge (U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana)

What’s next

Authorities say the operation will lead to long-term investigations and additional arrests as they continue to dismantle the criminal networks.

The takeaway

The coordinated crackdown by federal, state and local law enforcement demonstrates their commitment to tackling the intertwined problems of gang violence and drug trafficking in Louisiana. However, the scale of the problem remains significant, requiring sustained efforts to make communities safer.