St. Landry Narcotics Agents Arrest 3; Expect Many More Arrests

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office is expecting as many as 20 more arrests to be made in a complex narcotics investigation that has already landed three suspects behind bars.

Sheriff's spokesman Maj. Eddie Thibodeaux the investigation is being conducted by the Sheriff's Narcotics Enforcement Team (N.E.T.), the Highway Interdiction Team (H.I.T.) and the St. Landry Parish SWAT Team.

Thibodeaux reported, for several months the Narcotics Enforcement team employed undercover agents to make purchases of large amounts of methamphetamine and crack cocaine from Robert Rideau Jr. of Opelousas.

On April 28, the SWAT team executed a search warrant at Rideau's home that, along with the suspect's arrest, yielded  five ounces of crystal methamphetamine, half an ounce of marijuana, half an ounce of “crack” cocaine, various prescription pills, over 10 cell phones, U.S. currency derived from the drug sales and a 2005 Nissan Altima used to traffic and distribute illegal narcotics.

In another narcotics investigation, the sheriff's office was tipped off by concerned residents and business owners in the Grand Coteau area.

During the investigation, agents witnessed several drug transactions among suspects Shawn Robin and Mariah Miller. The pair was arrested for  possession and distribution of approximately 2 ounces of crystal methamphetamine and a significant amount of U.S. currency believed to be money derived from drug sales. Agents also seized a Honda CBR motorcycle during this investigation.

Multiple arrest warrants have been obtained through this lengthy investigation," said Sheriff Bobby Guidroz. "The investigation consists of approximately 20 other suspects, which arrest warrants will be served at a later date.

Anyone with information about illegal drug activity is encouraged to call the St. Landry Parish Sheriff Department’s Drug Hotline at 337-948-0970. All callers remain anonymous and the information is kept strictly confidential.