A Terrebonne Parish man, Torrez Drane, has pled guilty in a New Orleans federal court to charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The announcement came from Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson, following Drane's appearance before United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter on March 25, 2025.
Drane, aged 32, was charged under Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A). During his upcoming sentencing on June 17, 2025, Drane faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, with a potential maximum life sentence, a fine of up to $10 million, at least five years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
Court documents revealed that Drane traveled several times to California to purchase large quantities of methamphetamine, subsequently mailing the drugs back to Louisiana for redistribution. Law enforcement intercepted a package from Drane containing over 8,800 grams of pure methamphetamine.
The investigation was carried out by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Houma Police Department, the Louisiana State Police, and the Terrebonne and Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Offices. Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu from the Narcotics Unit led the prosecution.
This investigation forms part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. According to the OCDETF, the program focuses on "identifying, disrupting, and dismantling the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States." The task force leverages federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in a coordinated, prosecutor-led effort to combat criminal networks.
