Massive Livingston Parish Fentanyl Bust Has Louisiana Man Facing 70 Years in Prison

LIVINGSTON PARISH, La. (KPEL News) - One of the largest fentanyl busts in Livingston Parish history has a Louisiana man facing up to 70 years in prison, one law enforcement agency says.

After being found guilty, the man faces a long prison sentence after being found guilty of attempting to distribute fentanyl, meth, and marijuana.

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Devonte Skinner, 32, of Tickfaw was busted with a large amount of the drugs in a bust by the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office back in April. According to the sheriff's office, he was found guilty last week.

"21st Judicial District Attorney Scott M. Perrilloux said Judge Charlotte Foster has sentenced Devonte Skinner, 32, of Tickfaw, to serve 70 years in the Department of Corrections as a habitual offender," the sheriff's office said in a social media post.

“During the trial, Assistant District Attorney Kurt Wall presented evidence that Skinner was in possession of over 3,000 fentanyl pills, as well as several grams of methamphetamine and prepackaged marijuana," said 21st Judicial District Attorney Scott M. Perrilloux. "At the time, this was the largest seizure of fentanyl in Livingston Parish.”

“Fentanyl has taken the lives of too many in our community,” Perrilloux added. “We will diligently seek the maximum punishment for those who continue to sell fentanyl and other illicit drugs.”

Fighting Fentanyl

The fentanyl crisis has become one of the most pressing public health emergencies in recent years, impacting communities across the United States. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and has been linked to a dramatic increase in overdose deaths.

Originally developed for pain management, particularly in cancer patients, fentanyl is now often illicitly manufactured and mixed with other drugs, leading to fatal outcomes even in small doses.

The crisis has escalated as fentanyl is frequently found in street drugs like heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit prescription pills, often without the user's knowledge. This has made every drug purchase potentially lethal, turning the opioid epidemic into a nationwide emergency. Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, have surged, with the CDC reporting tens of thousands of fatalities each year.

The drug's potency makes it extremely dangerous, as even a tiny amount can cause respiratory failure and death.

Communities are fighting back against the fentanyl crisis through a combination of public awareness campaigns, increased access to naloxone (a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses), and stricter law enforcement measures.

Public health initiatives aim to educate people about the dangers of fentanyl, while harm reduction strategies focus on preventing overdoses and providing support for those struggling with addiction. Law enforcement agencies are also working to disrupt the supply chains of illicit fentanyl, often originating from overseas and trafficked through complex networks.

The fight against fentanyl is a multi-faceted effort that requires the collaboration of public health officials, law enforcement, community organizations, and individuals.

As the crisis continues to claim lives, the push to increase education, provide resources for treatment, and prevent further fatalities remains a critical priority for communities across the country.