Eight People Arrested in a Joint Operation by the DEA and Metro Narcotics Unit

This press release comes from the Hattiesburg Police Department

On Wednesday, September 12, 2018, a joint operation between the DEA and the Metro Narcotics Unit led to eight arrests, with another seven warrants to be served.

This long-term investigation started in 2017, and primarily targeted local impact cases on drug offenders in and around the Hub City.

The investigation uncovered controlled substance violations and the use of illegal firearms.

During the operation today, agents discovered four weapons, illegal narcotics, including roughly 30 crack rocks, as well as roughly $13,000 in U.S. Currency, which was all seized.

Chief Anthony Parker:

“This investigation is the culmination of a lot of long hours and good police work,” said Hattiesburg Police Chief Anthony Parker. “We value our partnerships with other agencies, and when we can all come together and work towards the greater good, we accomplish our goals,”

“We are making the streets and neighborhoods safer,” said Chief Parker. “These types of collaborations with other law enforcement agencies is what it will take for the Hattiesburg Police Department to reach its goal of becoming the premier police department in the Gulf South.”

DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, J. Derryle Smith:

“Our neighborhoods deserve to exist without fear and intimidation inflicted by violent drug gangs,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Derryle Smith. “The arrests in this investigation demonstrate to the citizens of Mississippi that federal, state, and local law enforcement can come together and accomplish great things. It should serve as a warning to those who prey on the weak and defenseless through their drug trafficking and violent acts. We will continue to work with all of our law enforcement partners, to relentlessly pursue these violent criminals and drug traffickers plaguing our communities.”

Participating Agencies include: Hattiesburg Police Department, DEA, HIDTA Task Force, Metro Narcotics, U.S. Marshals, MDOC, ATF, Home Land Security, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Lamar, Forrest and Jones County Sheriff’s Departments.

Suspects in Custody:

Rikki Johnson, 35, of Hattiesburg

Charges: Sale of a controlled substance (crack cocaine) and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon

Antonio Haynes, 37, of Hattiesburg

Charges: Sale of a controlled substance

Patryce Graham, 46, of Hattiesburg

Charges: Sale of a controlled substance

Steven McCallum, 35, of Hattiesburg

Charges: Sale of a controlled substance (crack cocaine)

Luther Dye, 35, of Petal

Charges: Possession of methamphetamine

Wiley Payton, 36, of Hattiesburg

Charges: Sale of controlled substance (crack cocaine)

Rodriquez Barnes, 40, of New Orleans

Charges: Sale of controlled substance (heroine)

Melvin Manassa, 50, of Hattiesburg

Charges: Sale of controlled substance (marijuana) and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.