By LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / November 18, 1998

LAPLACE – Clyde Richards Jr., described by St. John Parish narcoticsagents as the “kingpin” in organized cocaine distribution locally, was apprehended in Baton Rouge thanks to a newspaper article.

The tip for the arrest came as a result of a “Wanted” bulletin printed Nov.

13 in The Advocate of Baton Rouge.

Lt. Michael Tregre commented, “I met with The Advocate on Thursday, itwas in the paper Friday morning and by Friday evening we had him in custody.”Tregre added, “That’s what you call quick service,” and commented the information received was “very productive, and provided the last missing piece of the puzzle.”Richards, 27, who had lived at 119/125 Northwest 12th St., Reserve, wasconsidered the kingpin of a criminal narcotics organization which was raided July 9. During that raid, an AK-47 assault rifle and 1,000 rounds ofammunition were recovered, along with large quantities of crack cocaine and marijuana.

Richards was indicted July 31, along with several other people, by a St.

John grand jury for racketeering and money laundering. It capped a two-year investigation.

Detectives had received information that Richards was staying in Baton Rouge with friends, but they were unable to discover exactly where.

Tregre drove to Baton Rouge on Nov. 12 to place the notice in thenewspaper, which included Richards’ photograph and asked for the public to call if Richards was seen.

The act generated fast results, and detectives returned with Richards in custody on Nov. 13.Richards is being held at the Sherman Walker Correctional Center in LaPlace.

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