Morgan City Man Arrested Following Extensive Narcotics Investigation; Large Quantities of Illegal Narcotics, Firearms, and Machine Gun Conversion Device Seized
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
Morgan City Man Arrested Following Extensive Narcotics Investigation; Large Quantities of Illegal Narcotics, Firearms, and Machine Gun Conversion Device Seized
The Morgan City Police Department Narcotics Division began an investigation into Timothy Gary Paul Francis, 39, of Morgan City, in connection with the suspected distribution of various illegal narcotics throughout the Morgan City area. During the course of the investigation, investigators identified multiple locations believed to be associated with Francis's alleged narcotics distribution activities. Through investigative efforts, detectives developed information indicating that these locations were being utilized in furtherance of illegal narcotics activity.
On Friday, October 23, 2026, investigators executed multiple search warrants at locations identified during the investigation with the assistance of Berwick Police Department and St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office. As a result of the investigation, Francis was taken into custody without incident.
During the execution of the search warrants, investigators located and seized significant quantities of suspected illegal narcotics, including:
165 grams of powder cocaine
26 grams of crack cocaine
370 grams of methamphetamine
55 grams of fentanyl, consisting of 26 grams of powder fentanyl and 29 grams of suspected pressed fentanyl pills
56 grams of synthetic marijuana
15 grams of powder MDMA and four suspected pressed MDMA pills
413 grams of marijuana
27 Suboxone strips
1 bottle of Promethazine
In addition to the suspected illegal narcotics, investigators located and seized a total of 13 firearms, including one full-size AR-15 rifle, two AR-15-style pistols, one pistol-grip short-barreled shotgun, and nine additional handguns.
One of the AR-15-style pistols was equipped with a forced reset trigger (FRT), designed to allow a significantly increased rate of fire, simulating fully automatic fire.
Of particular concern, investigators also recovered a Machine Gun Conversion Device (MCD), commonly known as a drop-in auto sear. This device is designed to convert an AR-15-style semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon, capable of firing multiple rounds with a single function of the trigger. Under federal law, machine gun conversion devices are themselves classified as machine guns, regardless of whether they are installed in a firearm. Further investigation revealed that one of the recovered firearms had been reported stolen. Investigators also recovered bullet-resistant body armor during the execution of the search warrants.
Additionally, investigators located and seized over $9,500 in U.S. currency during the searches.
As a result of the investigation and evidence recovered, Francis was arrested and charged with the offenses listed below.
Timothy Francis, 39 years of age Address: Keith Street, Morgan City, Louisiana, arrested on 10/23/2026 @ 8:19 a.m.
Charges:
Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana
Possession with Intent to Distribute Synthetic Cannabinoids
Possession with Intent to Distribute MDMA
Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl
Possession with Intent to Distribute Suboxone
Possession of a Legend Drug Without a Prescription
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Possession of Firearms in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
Illegal Possession of Body Armor
Possession of a Machine Gun
Manufacturing of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Crack Cocaine)
Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Domestic Violence
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges or arrests may be forthcoming.
Cheif Chad M. Adams and the Morgan City Police Department remain committed to combating illegal narcotics distribution and removing dangerous drugs and illegally possessed firearms from our community.
