New Orleans man indicted for violating the federal Controlled Substances Act (DOJ)

NEW ORLEANS, LA - On October 16, 2026, HAROLD BANKS ("BANKS"), age 48, of New Orleans, was indicted on two counts of distribution of controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court records, Count One alleges that on August 17, 2026, BANKS did knowingly and intentionally distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). Count Two alleges that on September 21, 2026, BANKS did knowingly and intentionally distribute twenty-eight grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B).

If convicted of Count One, BANKS faces up to twenty (20) years of imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. If convicted of Count Two, BANKS faces a mandatory minimum of five (5) years up to forty (40) years of imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least four (4) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crime Unit.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice's nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys' offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department's commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump's Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

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