Two New Orleans men are facing serious federal drug charges after a grand jury indictment targeted their alleged involvement in fentanyl distribution throughout the Eastern District of Louisiana. Brian Picquet, 38, and Furdrell Hankton, 48, could be looking at up to 20 years behind bars if convicted on charges of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute the powerful opioid, in addition to the actual distribution of fentanyl, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office yesterday.
According to the indictment announced by U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans, the duo's illegal activities had been ongoing for some time, dating back to at least early March of this year — the precise extent of their operation remains under investigation and they have been charged in a four-count indictment. If convicted, both Picquet and Hankton face a slew of punitive measures including a hefty $1,000,000 fine for years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and are each required to pay a $100 special assessment fee.
In light of this, U.S. Attorney Evans made sure to underscore, that "The indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt," as per U.S. Attorney's Office.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives has uncovered potential links between the two men and the fentanyl trade. Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams from the Narcotics Unit will lead the prosecution.
