Federal, state and local law enforcement officials held a press conference in Shreveport on Monday to announce a new multi-agency initiative called the Gator Task Force. U.S. Attorney Zachary Keller says this initiative will target violent crime and drug trafficking in the Shreveport-Bossier City area. Keller says the task force officially started in July and it’s already working.
“And since then, has resulted in 65 total arrests; eight of those resulting in indictments with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, many of which also involve investigations that are going to result in indictment,” Keller explained.
Keller says the Gator Task Force is also responsible for the seizure of over 20 pounds of methamphetamine, 19 guns and four stolen vehicles.
Governor Jeff Landry was also on hand for the press conference. Landry says when he took office in 2024, Louisiana had three cities ranked in the top 10 for the most dangerous cities in the country. Landry says today none of those cities are ranked in the top 10 for crime.
“Those cities are not on the top 10 most dangerous in America anymore. It’s because of federal involvement. It is because of the partnership that you’re witnessing today,” Landry said.
Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn is optimistic this task force will reduce the selling of illegal drugs and violent crime in north Louisiana.
“If you deal poison and use violence in Caddo Parish, we will find you; we will work with our partners and prosecute you. We’re ready to go to work,” Whitehorn said.
