A Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy has received a Certificate of Appreciation from a federal drug enforcement agency for his part in investigations and arrests targeting a major trafficking organization operating in the Shreveport Caddo/Bossier area.
Deputy Shawn Jenkins was acknowledged for his “…exemplary performance of Task Force Officer (TFO)…” by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) New Orleans Division and the Shreveport Residence Office (SRO), according to a letter of recognition by Brad Byerley, Special Agent in Charge.
According to Byerley’s letter outlining the honor, “As you may be aware, the DEA SRO has been involved in the investigation of a significant drug trafficking organization operating in the Shreveport Caddo/Bossier metropolitan area. This investigation has been identified as a DEA priority target investigation and was approved as an OCDETF investigation. The investigation targets a methamphetamine distribution organization responsible for significant quantities of methamphetamine in North and Central Louisiana. During the course of the investigation TFO Jenkins was instrumental in the coordination of surveillance and enforcement operations. As a result of the Title III investigation, investigators have recovered over twelve pounds of methamphetamine, over 20 indictments, seized several firearms and a significant amount of U.S. currency.
“TFO Jenkins is highly respected by all state and local agencies as well as the United States Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Louisiana. tfo jenkins is frequently relied on to provide the sro with valuable information and insight fully exploit narcotic investigations. His knowledge and insight is truly a valuable asset to the DEA SRO and is an extremely effective tool when attacking drug trafficking organizations.
“TFO Jenkins has displayed a positive and professional image of law enforcement and the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office (WPSO) and his efforts should be recognized. TFO Jenkins professionalism and his spirit of cooperation are a credit to you and WPSO. I am proud to issue TFO Jenkins a DEA Certificate of Appreciation to acknowledge his performance.”
Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker has served on the narcotics task force and knows the importance of getting to the source of trafficking organizations.
“Sgt. Jenkins is continuing a tradition of investigative cooperation between local, state and federal agencies to combat these drug traffickers,” Parker said. “Our goal is to get illegal narcotics off the street and cutting them off at the source is the best way we can do it.”
Parker said task force investigators work tirelessly to gather information and, eventually, make arrests.
“There are a lot of long, hard hours of investigation behind every arrest,” he said. “It’s also a dangerous operation because there’s lots of money involved and these traffickers are criminals who are determined to get their illegal products to their distributors.”
There’s another benefit for the agents who can make arrests and seize items related to the illegal operations.
“Asset forfeiture is something that benefits law enforcement,” Parker said. “When we confiscate items like vehicles, weapons…anything that is part of the criminal enterprise, it translates to funds to help us continue our fight against traffickers.”
Parker said the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office will continue to be a part of the team that is working to break up trafficking organizations.
“We will cooperate with other agencies and get the job done,” he said. “Investigators like Sgt. Jenkins are part of our contribution to this effort.”