Two operations by the Picayune Police Department led to the arrest of two people earlier this week for drug-related offenses.
The first of the two arrests took place Monday while narcotics detectives were performing routine patrols. Just after 7 p.m. that day, detectives observed a vehicle swerve several times while traveling along Highway 11 near the city limits, according to a departmental release.
Several times the vehicle crossed the center line and left the roadway, prompting a stop. During that stop the detectives spoke with the driver, identified as 32-year-old Charles Cody Delaughter of 69498 16 Section Rd., Pearl River, La. The release states that during the stop, Delaughter’s eyes appeared bloodshot and his movements appeared slowed. Delaughter agreed to a field sobriety test, which led to his arrest for DUI.
While one investigator conducted the field sobriety test, the second searched the vehicle to find a WD-40 can with a false bottom containing oxycodone, morphine, clonazepam, Xanax, Gabapentin and a clear plastic bag containing a green leafy substance suspected to be marijuana, the release states.
He was additionally arrested for two counts of trafficking a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, two misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia and careless driving, the release states. During his arrest, the detectives seized $240 in cash, which was in close proximity to the controlled substances. Delaughter was taken to Highland Community Hospital where he submitted to a blood test, the release states.
In a separate incident, an undercover narcotics operation conducted Wednesday led to the arrest of a Picayune man for drug related offenses.
According to a release from the Picayune Police Department, the operation utilized an undercover informant to purchase a controlled substance, which occurred while the suspect was in possession of a rifle. Later, the detectives learned another transaction was set to take place. The detectives conducted surveillance at the meet point, located at the intersection of Easy Street and Stafford Road, until the suspect, identified as 44-year-old Alonzo Lamont Graham of 700 N. Main Street Apt. 13, arrived, the release states.
He was detained and a search warrant was secured for his home. In that search, the detectives found a digital scales with a brown residue on it believed to be heroin, clear plastic bags and aluminum foil commonly used to package narcotics for resale, a loaded .308 rifle, and multiple knives, the release states. Detectives also seized a number of alarm sets used as counter surveillance.
Graham was taken into custody for the offenses of sale of a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm, conspiracy to sell a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm and conspiracy to sell a controlled substance within 1,500 feet of a school or church, the release states.