A lengthy and comprehensive investigation by the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office has resulted in two major arrests and what is believed to be the largest seizure ever of illegal narcotics in Jackson Parish. 

On April 29, 2026, JPSO narcotics investigators executed two search warrants. During those searches, investigators seized approximately 12 pounds of synthetic marijuana, commonly referred to locally as “mojo.” The seized narcotics had an estimated street value of approximately $20,000. Investigators also seized a money counter and a firearm.

As a result of the investigation, James Ronyez Jones was arrested and booked into the Jackson Parish Jail on the following charges:
La. R.S. 40:966(A)(1), Distribution of Synthetic Marijuana, 4 counts
La. R.S. 40:966(A)(1), Possession of Synthetic Marijuana with Intent to Distribute
La. R.S. 14:95.1(A)(1), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
La. R.S. 14:95(E), Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance

Later, the JPSO arrested Dewayne Woods in a separate investigation, seizing a significant quantity of illegal narcotics, firearms, ammunition, and cash amounting to:

7.9 pounds of marijuana
2.2 pounds of synthetic marijuana
649 grams of crack cocaine
3.8 pounds of methamphetamine
2.8 pounds of powder cocaine
Over 3,000 Ecstasy (MDMA) pills
Suboxone and M30-type pills
Large quantities of unidentified pills and powder
Multiple firearms and ammunition
$13,510 cash

Woods was booked on the following charges:
LA R.S. 40:979 — Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule II
LA R.S. 14:95.1 — Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (3 counts)
LA R.S. 14:95(E) — Illegal Carrying of a Weapon in the Presence of CDS (3 counts)
LA R.S. 40:967 — Possession With Intent to Distribute Oxycodone
LA R.S. 40:969 — Possession With Intent to Distribute Xanax (Alprazolam)
LA R.S. 40:969 — Prohibited Acts, Schedule IV w/ Intent
LA R.S. 40:966 — Possession With Intent to Distribute MDMA
LA R.S. 40:966 — Possession With Intent to Distribute Marijuana
LA R.S. 40:967 — Possession With Intent to Distribute Cocaine
LA R.S. 40:967 — Possession With Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine
LA R.S. 40:966 — Possession With Intent to Distribute Synthetic Marijuana
LA R.S. 40:967 — Possession With Intent to Distribute Hydrocodone
LA R.S. 40:967 — Distribution / Manufacturing of Crack Cocaine
LA R.S. 40:968 — Possession With Intent to Distribute Suboxone

Total bond assessed to date: $1,675,000.

“Illegal drugs and firearms remain a serious concern for the safety of Jackson Parish residents,” said Jackson Parish Sheriff Brent Barnett. “Our office will continue working to remove dangerous drugs and weapons from our communities.” 

Sheriff Barnett also commended the Jonesboro Police Department for its role in the arrests and seizures.

“We would like to recognize and thank the Jonesboro Police Department for their assistance and cooperation throughout the case,” said Barnett. “Their support played a vital role in the success of this investigation.”

Both investigations remain ongoing. No further information will be released at this time, and case-specific details will not be discussed.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.