Traffic stop leads Houma Police to sizable drug arrest

Suspect allegedly breaks into girlfriend’s car, leads authorities on chase before arrest
July 8, 2019
Authorities locate meth, heroin on suspects sleeping behind local business
July 8, 2019
Suspect allegedly breaks into girlfriend’s car, leads authorities on chase before arrest
July 8, 2019
Authorities locate meth, heroin on suspects sleeping behind local business
July 8, 2019

A seatbelt stop led Houma Police Department officers to a sizable drug arrest.

On July 5, 2019, a HPD uniform patrol officer was patrolling the area of Buron Street when he observed that the driver of a 2002 Cadillac Escalade was failing to wear a seat belt.

A traffic stop was conducted and upon approaching the vehicle, the officer allegedly smelled the strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.


As the driver exited the vehicle, officers said a cellophane bag containing suspected narcotics fell to the ground.

At that point, the driver, identified as Max Matherne, 32, was taken into custody without incident.

After further investigation, authorities said that they located a large amount of narcotics from the vehicle, including 48.68 grams of heroin, 1.13 grams of crystal meth, 1.67 grams of marijuana, 3 Buprenorphine Hydrochloride pills, 1 clonazepam and 1 alprazolam pill.


Authorities also recovered a .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol and a marijuana grinder.

Matherne was arrested and taken to the Terrebonne Parish Jail on the following charges:

-No Seat Belt


-Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon

-Possession of a Firearm while in Possesson of a Controlled Dangerous Substance

-Two counts of Possession with the intent to Distribute Scheduke IV CDS


-Possession with the intent to distribute Methamphetamine

-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

-Possession with the intent to distribute Marijuana


-Possession with the intent to distribute Heroin

-Transactions involving Proceeds From CDS Activity

-Illegal Possession of a Legend Drug without a Prescription


-Possession with the Intent to Distribute CDS IV

Max Matherne