United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEW ORLEANS – DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced today the conviction of two individuals, Dennis Pleasant and Vincent Jackson, following a joint narcotics investigation that uncovered a drug distribution operation operating within a designated school zone in Algiers.

The investigation, launched in April 2025, was a collaborative effort between the Louisiana State Police (LSP) Narcotics/HIDTA Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Gang Task Force.

Authorities targeted a residence in the 1600 block of Newton Street, located near L.B. Landry High School, after observing activity consistent with street-level drug distribution. During the execution of a search warrant on May 30, 2025, investigators recovered a loaded sawed-off shotgun and various drug paraphernalia. Additionally, the operation led to the discovery of two severely neglected dogs on the property; despite intervention from the LASPCA, both animals ultimately succumbed to their injuries.

"This case highlights the grim reality of the drug trade—it doesn't just bring poison into our neighborhoods, it brings violence and a total disregard for life," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer. "By working alongside our state and local partners, we aren't just making arrests; we are removing a multi-layered threat from a school zone and ensuring that those who profit from this chaos are held accountable."

Convictions and Sentencing

In March 2026, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office successfully prosecuted both defendants:

• Dennis Pleasant (43), aka “2 Scoops”: Sentenced to 26 months in the Department of Corrections for Possession of a Firearm in a Gun-Free Zone, Possession of a Modified Shotgun, two counts of Animal Cruelty, Resisting an Officer, Criminal Trespass, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
• Vincent Jackson (60): Received credit for time served for Resisting an Officer and Criminal Trespass.

The prosecution was led by Assistant Attorney General Carmen Gealogo. The investigation and subsequent convictions were supported by the combined efforts of the LSP, NOPD, FBI, and the LASPCA.

“This just goes to show that the partnerships we continue to forge in the New Orleans area are making a real impact on the community," stated Attorney General Liz Murrill. "I’d like to thank the LASPCA for its commitment to helping us pursue justice in this case, as well as our federal and local law enforcement partners for their hard work."

The DEA remains committed to working with the LSP Fusion Center and all Gulf Coast HIDTA partners to identify and dismantle organizations threatening the safety of Louisiana communities.