NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)), published as received.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RYAN LAJOIE (“LAJOIE”), age 28, a resident of St. Bernard Parish, was sentenced on May 21, 2026 by United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to 142 months’ imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and $200.00 in mandatory special assessment fees after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute five (5) grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), and distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

According to court documents, in July 2025, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office (SBSO) received a tip that someone was selling marijuana and methamphetamine at a residence located in St. Bernard Parish. SBSO Narcotics Agents conducting surveillance in the area observed LAJOIE and two others enter the residence. Minutes later, LAJOIE exited the residence and rode away on a bicycle. Agents attempted to approach LAJOIE, but LAJOIE led the agents on a chase and discarded several items during his flight from the agents. Agents eventually arrested LAJOIE and recovered approximately 43 grams of methamphetamine, a cell phone and a digital scale from the area in which LAJOIE discarded the items.

Agents interviewed the two individuals at the residence who both  admitted that they purchased methamphetamine from LAJOIE. Agents seized 0.93 grams of methamphetamine from them.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

 

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