The FBI drug bust in Louisville, Kentucky, was a significant operation targeting a massive drug trafficking network. Here’s what you should know:
Date of Operation: The FBI-led operation, known as “Operation Frozen River,” took place in Louisville, Kentucky, and involved the arrest of numerous individuals on charges related to drug distribution and gun offenses. The initial arrests took place on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.
Number of Arrests: The operation resulted in the arrest of more than 20 individuals, with authorities still searching for “three or four” additional suspects.
Charges: The charges brought against the 34 individuals involved in the drug operation were primarily related to the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl, along with gun charges. The defendants faced various counts of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
Indictments: The suspects were divided into four different indictments:
Indictment 1:
• This group included Louisville residents and individuals from southern Indiana.
• They were charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine between January 2021 and August 2023.
• Some defendants faced additional charges for distributing specified quantities of methamphetamine and possessing firearms in connection with drug trafficking.
Indictment 2:
• Comprised of multiple Louisville residents.
• They were charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, specifically 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture.
• Various individuals within this indictment faced multiple counts of distributing specified quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl mixture.
Indictment 3:
• This group included Louisville residents and one individual from Jeffersonville, Indiana.
• They were charged with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine between March and August 2023.
• Some defendants within this indictment were also charged with multiple counts of distributing specified quantities of methamphetamine, and one faced a firearm-related charge.
Indictment 4:
• Comprised of Louisville residents.
• They were charged with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine between January 2021 and August 2023.
• Several individuals within this indictment faced additional charges for distributing specified quantities of methamphetamine and possessing firearms in connection with drug trafficking.
Wanted Suspects: Several individuals, including Brandon Traughber, Jason Hill, Dontray Bard, Jaiquinton Wordlaw, Christopher Shanahan, Kendall Shaw, Dominique Kinnard, and Bruce Boerner, remained wanted at the time of this report.
Law Enforcement Involvement: The FBI led the operation, with support from the Louisville Metro Police and several other law enforcement agencies.
Additional Incidents: On the same day as the drug operation, LMPD officers and SWAT were involved in a separate incident in the Portland neighborhood, where a barricaded suspect was present. It was clarified that this incident was not directly related to the drug operation.
This operation represented a significant law enforcement effort to dismantle a large-scale drug trafficking network in Louisville, with multiple individuals facing serious charges related to drug distribution and firearms possession in connection with drug trafficking. It showcased the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies working together to address the issue of drug-related crimes in the region.
