49 suspects face felony drug charges

MOSS POINT, Miss. (WALA) - Mississippi officials arrested dozens of people Wednesday, in a sweep by state and federal authorities.

Authorities are calling it one of the biggest federal roundups in the history of the Gulf Coast, involving several agencies.

In total, 49 suspects are now facing federal drug charges in four separate federal indictments unsealed Wednesday morning.

Authorities said they found cash, weapons, and drugs; specifically cocaine.

“Basically, we took off approximately a half a million dollars worth of dope,” said DEA Agent, Daniel Comeaux. “Not only a half a million dollars worth of dope but a lot of them were going out to the citizens.”

The roundup spans at least three states, from Texas to Mississippi, and was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, ATF, FBI, ICE, US Marshal Service, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Moss Point Police Department, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Gulfport Police Department, and various other task forces.

DEA and FBI officials say many of the suspects arrested were members of the gang; Black Gangster Disciples.

A majority of the arrests came out of Moss Point, Mississippi.

Locals said they are happy that law enforcement is teaming up.

“I think, you know, the crime rate is high. The economy is messed up; people are without jobs,” said one woman. “Times are hard. I mean, I'm proud of them that they can group that many people.”

Authorities said the drug pushers were buying their supplies from suspects in Mobile and Houston.

Local law enforcement on the case said they want this bust to drive home their message.
Moss Point Police Chief Keith Davis said, “As the Chief of Police, I want to make it very clear that those individuals who commonly commit crime- and that message is this, law enforcement stands united. We want those individual to know that if you decide to commit a crime in this area. We're going to come after you with every resource that's available to us.”

DEA officials said ultimately the drugs have ties to Mexico.