Louisiana Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPEL News) – Fentanyl is, without question, one of the most dangerous threats our community has faced in recent years. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 108,000 drug overdose deaths were recorded in the United States in 2022, with approximately 74,000 of those involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

In Louisiana, the crisis has hit especially hard. The Louisiana Department of Health reported 1,420 opioid-related deaths in 2022 alone, with 1,216 directly attributed to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. That figure represents a staggering 606% increase in synthetic opioid deaths in the state from 2018 to 2022.

Getting fentanyl off the streets has become the top priority for law enforcement agencies across the state.

Read More: Louisiana Mother Fights for Narcan Access for Students in Schools | 
Read More: South Louisiana Drug Kingpin Convicted in Major Bust | 

Fentanyl Bust Leads to Major Prison Sentence

The recent sentencing of Kendall Hicks, a 35-year-old Lake Charles man, underscores the intense efforts being made to combat fentanyl distribution in Southwest Louisiana. On May 30, 2023, members of the Calcasieu Combined Anti-Drug Task Force (C.A.T. Team) executed a search warrant at Hicks’ residence, where they found nearly 500 grams of fentanyl—enough to potentially kill hundreds of thousands of people. Officers also seized over $10,000 in cash, marijuana, and digital scales commonly associated with drug trafficking.

Hicks pled guilty earlier this year and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. to 175 months for drug distribution, plus 24 months for violating supervised release, totaling 199 months—or more than 16 years—in federal prison.

Joint Task Force Drives Investigation

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations in partnership with the C.A.T. Team, which includes law enforcement from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lake Charles Police Department, and multiple other local and federal agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals Office.

“Simply put, fentanyl kills, and its illegal distribution must come to an end,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “This is a significant sentence, and it sends a clear message that this conduct will not be tolerated.”

A Message to Dealers and the Community

Prosecutors and investigators hope this sentence will serve as a deterrent to others involved in the illegal sale of synthetic opioids. As the fentanyl crisis continues to devastate families and communities across Louisiana, law enforcement is making it clear that they will continue to pursue serious penalties for those caught distributing the deadly drug.