Suspected dealer arrested with large drug stash and ghost gun | WNTZ-TV FOX 48

PINEVILLE, Louisiana. (WNTZ) – In late April 2024, the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit responded to complaints from the public about drug activity in Pineville and quickly identified 26-year-old Ladarius Hicks as a suspect.

After several weeks of investigation, RADE agents obtained arrest warrants against Hicks for distribution of fentanyl and executed a search warrant for his residence at 403 Third Street. Due to Hicks’ previous violent criminal history, including an attempted murder charge in November 2023, the Rapides Parish SWAT team was called in to assist.

Hicks and two other people were present during the search and were arrested. A small package of fentanyl was found on Hicks. Inside the house, officers discovered over an ounce of fentanyl, nearly three ounces of methamphetamine, over half a pound of marijuana, five grams of crack, twelve Suboxone strips, a 9mm ghost gun and $5,898 in cash.

Hicks, who is currently on probation and prohibited from possessing a firearm, was arrested. The other two people were released at the scene.

Hicks was taken to DC1 and arrested on the following charges:

• Three cases of distribution of CDS II (fentanyl)
• Possession of CDS II (Fentanyl) with intent to distribute
• Possession of CDS II (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute
• Possession of CDS II (cocaine) with intent to distribute
• Possession of CDS I (marijuana) with the intent to distribute
• Possession of CDS III (Suboxone) with the intent to distribute
• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
• Illegal carrying of a firearm containing narcotics
• Violation of probation conditions

Upon arrest, law enforcement officers discovered that Hicks had an outstanding warrant for his arrest in Chambers County, Texas, for various drug offenses and money laundering. These warrants also placed him on record as a fugitive defendant. Hicks remains in jail on $275,000 bail and in violation of his probation.

RADE agents say their investigation is ongoing and further arrests are possible.

The RADE Unit is a multi-jurisdictional team comprised of the Alexandria, Ball, Boyce, Cheneyville, Forest Hill, Glenmora, Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lecompte, McNary, Pineville, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Woodworth, Grant Parish District Attorney’s Office and Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office police departments. The unit continues to target individuals suspected of drug trafficking in central Louisiana.