A coordinated, multi-agency investigation has dismantled a large-scale drug trafficking and indoor cultivation operation spanning Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, resulting in the seizure of hundreds of marijuana plants, illegal narcotics, and a cache of firearms including fully automatic weapons.
On March 23, NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick and Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto outlined the operation and its results.
Through an extensive narcotics investigation, investigators identified multiple individuals involved in the cultivation and distribution of marijuana across parish lines. Investigators located and targeted three separate indoor grow operations through coordinated surveillance and intelligence-sharing.
On March 19, 2026, search warrants were executed at two Jefferson Parish locations, where detectives uncovered sophisticated indoor cultivation sites equipped with advanced lighting, irrigation, and climate control systems. Investigators seized approximately 190 marijuana plants and 45 pounds of processed marijuana and made arrests at both locations.
The investigation expanded into Orleans Parish on March 20, 2026, where members of the New Orleans Police Department’s Gang Unit executed a search warrant in Algiers. Inside, investigators discovered an active grow operation and seized the following items:
• 230 marijuana plants in various stages of growth
• Packaged marijuana
• Psilocybin mushrooms and cocaine
• Approximately 50 firearms, including handguns, shotguns, rifles, and fully automatic weapons
• Approximately $5,800 in U.S. currency
“This is about intentional strategies, strong partnerships, and consistent follow through,” Kirkpatrick said. “What we’re seeing here is not just a drug operation, but a dangerous mix of illegal narcotics and high-powered weapons that put our communities at risk. This case underscores the growing sophistication of illegal cultivation operations and their direct link to organized criminal activity and weapons trafficking.”
“When agencies work together and remain focused on the fundamentals, we disrupt criminal enterprises and make our cities safer,” Lopinto said. “This is about prevention and protecting the people we serve.”
JPSO announced the arrest of two subjects in this investigation. However, one suspect remains at large, identified as Long Van Pham (pictured, Asian male, DOB: 06-09-1983). Pham is wanted on charges included manufacture of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of ecstasy with intent to distribute, possession of psilocybin mushrooms with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm while in possession of an illegal narcotic and unlawful possession, manufacture or transfer of machine guns.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Anyone with information that can assist in this ongoing investigation is urged to contact the NOPD or the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office immediately.
Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD’s Public Affairs Division at nopdpio@nola.gov.