Yancy Matirne and Errol Points, both from New Orleans, were indicted by a federal grand jury on March 19 for their alleged involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy and related firearms offenses, according to a March 27 announcement by U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
The indictment alleges that Matirne and Points conspired to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and marijuana in the Eastern District of Louisiana. The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address violent crime and drug trafficking in the region.
Matirne faces three counts: conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he faces mandatory minimum sentences for each violation; sentences for the first two counts may run concurrently but must be served consecutively with any sentence imposed for the firearms charge under Title 18 United States Code Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).
Points is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute those substances. Due to a prior conviction, he is subject to an enhanced sentence if found guilty—specifically facing a mandatory minimum of ten years up to life imprisonment on these charges.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle said: “the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal immigration, cartels, transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and violent crime through coordinated efforts like Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The investigation was conducted as part of Operation NOLA Safe by the Federal Bureau of Investigation alongside the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed from the Violent Crime Unit is prosecuting this case.
Operation NOLA Safe brings together multiple law enforcement agencies at various levels using data-driven strategies aimed at reducing violent crime across Greater New Orleans.
