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Pineville Today
By the People, for the People
Montegut Man Arrested in Alexandria on Drug Charges
Authorities seized fentanyl, meth, crack cocaine, and a handgun from motel room.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Agents with the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit arrested a 43-year-old Montegut man, Jamaar Antonio Payne, after executing a narcotics search warrant at a motel room in Alexandria, Louisiana. Authorities said they found Payne in possession of various illegal drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and marijuana, as well as a handgun. Payne, a convicted felon, was charged with multiple drug and firearm offenses.
Why it matters
The arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement in Central Louisiana to target individuals suspected of drug trafficking in the region. The seizure of a variety of illicit substances and a firearm from the motel room also raises concerns about the prevalence of drug-related crimes and the potential risks to public safety.
The details
According to investigators, RADE agents received multiple anonymous complaints in early February 2026 alleging an unknown person was using and possibly selling illegal narcotics from a motel room. Agents identified the suspect as Jamaar Antonio Payne and obtained a narcotics search warrant for the room. Due to the possibility that Payne was armed, the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office SWAT team executed the warrant, where they found Payne inside and took him into custody without incident. A search of the room revealed approximately 2 grams of fentanyl, more than 127 grams of methamphetamine, about 11 grams of crack cocaine, 30 grams of marijuana, and 1 gram of powder cocaine, all packaged separately for sale. Authorities also recovered a handgun near where Payne was detained.
- On Feb. 18, 2026, the SWAT team executed the warrant and found Payne inside the room.
- In early February 2026, RADE agents received multiple anonymous complaints about drug activity in the motel room.
The players
Jamaar Antonio Payne
A 43-year-old man from Montegut, Louisiana, who was arrested on multiple drug and firearm charges after authorities executed a search warrant at a motel room in Alexandria.
Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit (RADE)
A multi-jurisdictional task force that includes the Alexandria Police Department, Pineville Police Department, Grant Parish Sheriff's Office, the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office, and several other local, state, and federal partners, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office (RPSO) SWAT Team
The SWAT team that executed the narcotics search warrant at the motel room in Alexandria due to the possibility that Payne was armed.
What’s next
Payne remained in custody at the time of the release on a $216,500 bond. Authorities also issued a civil asset forfeiture form for the seized cash.
The takeaway
This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement in Central Louisiana to combat the drug trade and the associated risks to public safety. The seizure of a variety of illicit substances and a firearm from the motel room underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to address the complex issue of drug-related crimes in the region.
