New Orleans Residents Indicted for Drug Trafficking Crimes

Alfred Flanagin, 42, and Asha Ganpat, 46, both residents of New Orleans, have been indicted on federal charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The indictment, issued on October 15, 2026, accuses the pair of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, among other charges, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Flanagin faces additional charges for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. These charges are violations of Title 21 and Title 18 of the United States Code.

Allegations and Charges

The indictment alleges that on October 2, 2026, Flanagin possessed with intent to distribute over fifty grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, as well as quantities of ketamine, ecstasy, and marijuana. He is also accused of using and maintaining a drug-involved premises on Louisiana Avenue Parkway in New Orleans and possessing four firearms and numerous amounts of ammunition to further his drug trafficking activities.

Ganpat is alleged to have conspired with Flanagin to distribute narcotics in the New Orleans area and used a communications device to facilitate these activities.

If convicted of the conspiracy charge, both Flanagin and Ganpat face a minimum of five years and up to forty years in prison, along with a fine of up to $5 million and at least four years of supervised release. Flanagin, if convicted of possession with intent to distribute, faces similar penalties. For the firearms charge, Flanagin could receive a minimum consecutive sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, and for maintaining a drug-involved premises, he faces up to twenty years in prison.

Investigation and Prosecution

The case was investigated by multiple agencies, including the U. S. Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigation, and the New Orleans Police Department.

Assistant U. S. Attorney Mary Ellen Buntin of the Narcotics Unit is prosecuting the case.

U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle emphasized that the indictment is merely a charge and that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through coordinated efforts among federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. The initiative focuses on rapid federal response, strategic partnerships, and accountability through prosecution.