Picayune Police Department narcotics detectives resulted in the arrested two Picayune residents for posessing $15,000 worth of marijuana.

According to a press release from the department, narcotics detectives were traveling west on Highway 43 S. near the city limits on Aug. 1 around 6 p.m. when detectives observed the driver and passenger of a green 1998 Dodge Durango traveling in the same direction not wearing seatbelts, Magri said.

Detectives observed the suspect vehicle leave the roadway several times resulting in a traffic stop near East Canal Street, according to the release.

Upon approach of the vehicle, detectives smelled a strong odor of what appeared to be marijuana, according to the release.

The diver was identified as 21-year-old Billy James Hebert, Jr. of 22393 Highway 43 South while the passenger was identified as 20-year-old Michah Donovan Heasley of 22393 Highway 43 South.

Detectives asked Hebert and Heasley to exit the vehicle and a search of the suspect vehicle was condutced, according to the release.

Upon search of the vehicle, detectives found a large black duffle bag. Inside the bag, detectives discovered two large clear bags of what appeared to be about two pounds of high-grade marijuana, with a street value of $15,000, according to the release.

Hebert was charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance within 1,500 feet of a school/church, careless driving and no seatbelt, according to the release.

Heasley was charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance within 1,500 feet of a school/church, according to the release.

The suspect vehicle was seized by the detectives because it was suspected of being used to transport and conceal illegal narcotics.