Internet innovations have not been lost on the criminal element. For years, law enforcement agencies have busted illicit online entrepreneurs for selling sex and prescription medications. But in a first for the, narcotics detectives last week arrested alleged street-level dealers accused of turning to the online classified advertising website and marijuana.

Authorities can't say whether it's stupidity or bravado that has prompted prospective dealers to peddle their illicit wares online, seemingly unconcerned by the electronic trail of evidence such efforts surely leave for law enforcement. 'I don't know what it is,' said Chief Deputy John Thevenot, commander of the Sheriff's Office investigations bureau. 'I'd say it's very brazen. That's a sign that says 'I'm going to do this, and I believe I can get away with it.' ' The H train The suspects who eventually made arrangements to sell heroin to an undercover detective didn't exactly post a 'Take a ride on the H train d@pe - $100' the ad invited, later referring to the drug by the street name 'dog food.' Investigators and a suspicious member of the public spotted the ad, Thevenot said.

Once contacted, the posters eventually agreed to meet in the parking lot of a Metairie grocery store in the 3700 block of Power Boulevard on Thursday (July 31). The only step taken by the poster to protect himself from possible arrest was to ask the detective by text message, 'You not the police, huh?' An arrest report said.

Officers from the Sheriff's Office and the West Bank Major Crimes Task Force arrested Geral Bowman and Avion Nelson, both 24 and from New Orleans, and Michael Zeringue, 32, of Slidell, after the trio arrived, with heroin, to the meet-up, the Sheriff's Office has said. Detectives perusing Craigslist around the same time found a offering to sell marijuana, according to Sheriff's Office Spokesman Col. John Fortunato. The text of the ad hasn't been made available, but authorities said undercover detectives contacted the poster on Tuesday (July 29) and began negotiations. The poster, later identified as Christopher Lanza, 34, of Kenner, offered to sell the detectives a quarter ounce of marijuana and sent them photographs of the drug, Fortunato said. Soldier Athlete Warrior Program. Talk even turned to a sexual encounter followed by a smoke session.