According to Sheriff Mike Couvillon, the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office Narcotics division recently made the following drug related arrests:
- After receiving information that illicit drugs were being sold from a residence off of Hwy 338 North of Abbeville, agents began an investigation to ascertain the validity to the information. After gathering enough information, agents applied for, and secured a search warrant for the residence and property located at 7510 W. La Hwy 338. During the execution of the search warrant, suspected marijuana was found, along with suspected marijuana plants being grown on the property. Anthony Bertrand (dob 2-4-86) of Abbeville was arrested and charged with cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana, and was subsequently charged with a failure to appear for court for a traffic violation. Total bond set was $6,000.
- In other action, while working street level drug patrol, agents made a traffic stop on one Maxie Baudoin (dob 10-17-81) of Abbeville. Upon speaking to the driver and obtaining sufficient probable cause, agents applied for and secured a search warrant for the vehicle. While agents were applying, and waiting for the warrant, Baudoin decided to leave the area, which is permissible under certain circumstances by Louisiana Law. Baudoin, then sent a "concerned confidant" to stay with the vehicle while officers conducted the search. Upon executing the warrant, agents found several packets of the illegal "Legal Weed" product known as POW Re-Load. The vehicle was subsequently towed and warrants were obtained for Baudoin. Baudoin's freedom lasted only a short time due to agents catching up with him a couple of days later. Baudoin was arrested and charged with possession with the intent to distribute a schedule 1 drug (synthetic marijuana). Baudoin was also arrested on numerous contempt of court warrants. Total bond set was $21,000.
Sheriff Couvillon would like to applaud the concerned citizens of Vermilion Parish for their awareness and assistance in helping the Sheriff's Office in fighting the war on illegal drugs. He encourages all citizens with information in regards to illegal drug activities to contact the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division at 337-740-4501 or E-mail the Narcotics Division anonymously at taskforce@vpso.net and your e-mail will be held in the "strictest of confidence" and replied to in a very timely manner.
More information on reporting drug activities can be seen on our Web Site at www.vpso.net. Click on Task Force for this information.