The Gazebo Gazette
GULFPORT (GG) — On Friday, March 28, 2025, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office arrested two individuals on felony drug distribution charges stemming from an investigation by the Harrison County Narcotics Task Force. The investigation concluded with the arrest of Deante Terrill Hinton and Dwan Durrell Parnell of Gulfport, Mississippi. Parnell was charged with federal drug and firearms violations and Hinton was charged with state charges of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance for Cocaine, Crack Cocaine and Marijuana.
On Thursday March 27, 2025, Harrison County Narcotics Task Force Investigators attempted a traffic stop on a Toyota Avalon on Pass Road near Stennis Drive in Biloxi. The driver, Dwan Parnell, attempted to flee on foot and was apprehended. A search of his vehicle yielded a large quantity of cocaine.
Investigators furthered the investigation to two addresses on Stennis Drive in Biloxi, 32nd Ave. in Gulfport, and a hotel room that led to the discovery of additional quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, ecstasy and multiple firearms. All drugs were distribution quantities and were packaged as such.
Deante Terrill Hinton was apprehended at the 32nd Ave. location and found in possession of illicit currency, crack cocaine, cocaine and marijuana. In all, over 10 ounces of cocaine, 70 grams of crack cocaine, 3lbs. of marijuana, two handguns, a rifle and over $4000.00 in illicit currency was seized.
Based on the findings, Parnell was arrested on federal drug and firearm violations. Hinton was arrested and charged with state trafficking charges for cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana.
Hinton and Parnell were subsequently transported to the Harrison County Jail in Gulfport where Hinton was held in lieu of a $150,000.00 bond set by Harrison County Justice Court Judge Diane Ladner. Parnell is being held without bond pending federal judiciary hearings.
The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Gulfport Police Department assisted in the investigation.
