Shreveport, Louisiana Man Sentenced to Over 20 Years for Major Texas Drug Trafficking Bust

TYLER, Texas (KPEL News) – A Shreveport man caught trafficking methamphetamine through East Texas is now facing more than two decades behind bars after being convicted on federal drug charges.

Darren Tremaine Jackson, 41, was sentenced to 260 months (over 21 years) in federal prison for his role in running the major drug operation. His conviction, handed down in a year ago, includes conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

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The case highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in East Texas and Louisiana, where law enforcement continues to crack down on interstate drug operations.

How Jackson Got Caught

Jackson’s downfall began on February 13, 2020, when he and co-defendant Gary Wayne Sepulvado were pulled over in Smith County, Texas for a traffic violation. What started as a routine stop quickly escalated when officers smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

A search of the car turned up a kilogram of methamphetamine, leading to Jackson’s arrest and eventual conviction.

Sepulvado, Jackson’s co-defendant, pleaded guilty to related charges in November 2023 and is still awaiting sentencing.

Law Enforcement’s Continued Fight Against Drug Trafficking

This case was the result of a multi-agency investigation, with law enforcement in both Texas and Louisiana working together to take down cross-border drug operations. Agencies involved, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.

Why This Matters for East Texas and Louisiana

Methamphetamine trafficking remains a major issue in both Louisiana and East Texas, with I-20 and other highway corridors frequently used for drug distribution. Cases like this reinforce that federal and state law enforcement aren’t backing down when it comes to stopping the flow of dangerous narcotics into local communities.

For residents of Shreveport, Tyler, and surrounding areas, this sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the real consequences of drug trafficking—and the continued commitment of law enforcement to keeping communities safe.

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