In a significant operation, a Russian man was taken into custody on a Louisiana highway after authorities discovered nearly 800 pounds of methamphetamine. This is being highlighted as the largest drug seizure in the state’s history.
Anton Vitalievich Rakov was stopped in an 18-wheeler on Interstate 12 in Denham Springs—which is roughly 20 miles from Baton Rouge—during a routine traffic check, as reported by the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Officials referred to Rakov as a “deportable Russian national,” and his arrest was linked to his illegal presence in the United States. During a search of his truck trailer, authorities found “approximately 358.14 kilograms (or 789.56 pounds) of methamphetamine.”
“This is one of the largest methamphetamine seizures in Livingston Parish,” remarked Sheriff Jason Ard.
Rakov has been handed over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and remains in their custody, according to the sheriff’s office.
Details surrounding what led to the initial traffic stop haven’t been disclosed by authorities.
Images released by the department illustrate the magnitude of the bust, showing a substantial quantity of methamphetamine allegedly discovered in Rakov’s truck.
Investigators were seen inspecting the roof of the semi-truck, where a large brick wrapped in aluminum foil was displayed on a table. Additional photos depict much of the product packed into at least five large containers, with deputies and K9 units involved in the operation present.
A further image features Sheriff Ard beside a pyramid of meth bricks wrapped in foil.
Though officials haven’t outright claimed this seizure is the largest in the state, it notably surpasses recent high-profile drug confiscations.
For example, a seizure in February by the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office resulted in approximately 361 pounds of meth, valued at around $4 million, during another traffic stop.
In that case, the suspects were Jostin Antonio Orellana-Romero, a 22-year-old from Honduras, and Edenilson Alexander Castaneda del Valle, an 18-year-old from El Salvador, both of whom were also in the U.S. illegally. They face significant prison sentences.
In another instance from March, a task force incorporating the DEA, FBI, and Louisiana State Police found around 325 pounds of drugs concealed in a metal box within an ice cream freezer in an 18-wheeler.
The drivers in that situation, identified as Mexican nationals, were also arrested and are facing substantial prison time.
