SUSPECTED DRUG TRAFFICKER ARRESTED IN LAFOURCHE PARISH

A Mississippi man and suspected drug trafficker was arrested by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop this week.

Narcotics agents were conducting an investigation into Justin Monley, 25, of McComb, Mississippi, allegedly trafficking drugs from Mississippi into the South Lafourche area.

On April 10, 2019, authorities found Monley to be driving a car south on La. Highway 308 in Lockport.

Agents observed that Monley’s car had illegal tint and he was crossing the center line, which initiated a traffic stop.

During the stop, authorities found Monley to be the only person in the vehicle.

They also allegedly observed a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. Authorities asked Monley to step out of the vehicle and when he did, they noticed a bag of suspected marijuana near the driver’s seat.

Authorities asked Monley if he had anything illegal in the vehicle and he told them he had a marijuana cigar in his center console.

During a search, authorities found approximately 1.3 pounds of suspected marijuana, 13.4 grams of suspected crack cocaine and 3.4 grams of suspected cocaine.

The total street value of the drugs is approximately $7,760. In the search, authorities also found $1,000 cash, a semi-automatic rifle, a revolver and two semi-automatic handguns. One of the weapons was reported stolen out of Lafayette.

Authorities also discovered that Monley had prior felony criminal convictions.

Monley was booked into the Lafourche Parish Jail.

He is charged with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, cocaine and marijuana, as well as illegal carrying of a weapon in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal tint and improper lane usage.

Bail has been set at $31,500.

Justin Monley, 25, of Mccomb allegedly traffiked drugs into Lafourche Parish.

COURTESY | THE TIMES