Superseding Indictment Returned Against Two Westbank Men for Violating the Controlled Substances Act

DAVID TRAN, age 39, and DAVID TRAN, age 31, (same name but no relation), both residents of Bridge City, Louisiana, were charged in a four-count superseding indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for 1) conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possession with the intent to distribute 1,000 or more marijuana plants, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 100 grams or more of heroin (Count One); possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl (Count Two); possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (Count Three); and manufacture of 100 plants or more of marijuana (Count Four), announced U. S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, on November 7, 2017, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents, with assistance from Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department, executed a search warrant for a warehouse in Bridge City, Louisiana.  They found a large-scale, indoor marijuana grow operation with more than 500 marijuana plants.  Significant work and expense had been put into remodeling the warehouse, including thousands of dollars in lights, cooling systems, and ventilation.  In addition to the marijuana grown, agents found a safe that contained a kilogram of fentanyl, 1.3 kilograms of methamphetamine, and thousands of MDMA pills.  The execution of the warrant followed an extended investigation by the DEA that included multiple Title III wire intercepts.

If convicted, TRAN and TRAN each face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to life, a fine of $10,000,000, and at least five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.       

U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.  

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Orleans Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney David Haller.