Louisiana Mayor Caught in Drug Trafficking with Six Other Suspects

The 25-year-old Mayor of Bogalusa, Louisiana, Tyrin Truong, was taken into custody alongside six others following an investigation into drug trafficking activities. Louisiana state law enforcement confirmed his arrest, tying him to a widespread drug trafficking network.

Led by the Louisiana State Police Narcotics/Violent Crime Task Force, the investigation started in April 2024 and continued for several months. Truong and six associates from an unnamed Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) were involved in spreading a variety of illicit substances, including opioids, top-tier marijuana, THC items, and MDMA across Louisiana. According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the state witnessed 2,456 drug-related deaths in 2023.

It was uncovered by law enforcement that DTO members were utilizing social media to manage drug sales and financial transactions, which aided in expanding their activities. Authorities also determined that profits from the drug trade were used to buy firearms, some of which ended up in the hands of those forbidden from possessing them or were tied to violent incidents in the Bogalusa area.

Truong, who was elected as the city's youngest mayor at just 22 in 2022, has been charged with crimes related to drug trafficking proceeds, unauthorized possession of movable property, and prostitution solicitation. Alongside him, six others were apprehended on accusations of drug offenses, conspiracy, and illegal cash exchanges.

The seven individuals were all booked at the Washington Parish Jail, though Truong was released on a $150,000 bond, per WWLTV.

Liz Murrill, the Louisiana Attorney General, expressed disapproval of the arrest, asserting, "We have an unwavering stance against corruption, particularly from public servants." District Attorney Collin Sims stressed that the probe is continuing and vowed to focus resources on benefiting the residents of Bogalusa.

On January 9, 2025, Truong posted a short message on Facebook about his arrest, featuring a black-and-white picture of himself and the phrase, "Joy comes in the morning," without elaborating further.