By Pat Culverhouse
Two Minden brothers are in custody facing a litany of drug distribution charges after a special group of Trick or Treaters knocked on the door of their residence in the 700 block of Weston St. in the early hours Halloween morning.
Minden police officers, with the assistance of the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, arrested David Joseph and Martin Burks in a 6 a.m. coordinated Friday raid, putting the successful finishing touch on Operation Weston Wipeout.
According to Lt. Kenneth James, head of the MPD’s Criminal Investigations Division, anonymous tips through the website MindenPolice.org played a vital role in developing leads and building the case.
“The department values the continued partnership and trust of the community, whose cooperation remains critical in the fight against illegal narcotics,” James said. “Continued cooperation between citizens and law enforcement is essential to keeping Minden safe and drug-free.”
Joseph, 45, reportedly was arrested on three outstanding distribution warrants and is additionally charged with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, methamphetamines, natural marijuana, synthetic marijuana, Ecstasy and Lorazepam.
He is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center under a $65,000 bond.
Burks, 44, was placed in custody on one outstanding distribution warrant and had added charges of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, methamphetamines, natural marijuana synthetic marijuana, Ecstasy and Lorazepam. He is housed at BDCC under a $25,000 bond.
Both Joseph and Burks are also charged with possession of a firearm in the presence of a CDS and felon in possession of a firearm.
During the execution of the operation, officers recovered approximately 44 grams of crack cocaine, 108 grams of natural marijuana, 122 grams of synthetic marijuana, 12 grams of methamphetamine, 8.4 grams of ecstasy, 41 Lorazepam tablets, and $3,300 in U.S. currency.
James said the residence occupied by the brothers was seized in accordance with state law due to its use in the facilitation of distribution of illegal narcotics.
“This operation sends a clear message that drug activity will not be tolerated in our city,” said James. “Our goal is not only to make arrests, but to restore a sense of safety and pride to neighborhoods that have been affected by this kind of activity. We remain committed to working alongside our citizens to ensure Minden remains a safe place to live and raise families.”
“The Minden Police Department thanks the community for its ongoing support and encourages residents to continue reporting suspicious or drug-related activity through MindenPolice.org or by contacting the department directly,” Chief of Police Jared McIver said.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
