Man Arrested During Traffic Stop For Marijuana He Received Via Mail

OPELOUSAS, La. (KPEL News) - We use the mail more now than we ever have, it seems. With the advent of online shopping and retailers like Amazon, the mail and parcel delivery services are now more important than ever. The increase in shipments also leads to an increase in the trafficking of illicit items, like marijuana or other drugs.

An Opelousas man is behind bars after authorities say he was receiving high-grade marijuana through the mail from California. 32-year-old Wendell Joseph Murphy Jr. was arrested Thursday during a traffic stop on I-49 after being recognized from a Fugitive Friday alert.

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“During the inventory, Detectives uncovered a package shipped by USPS (Unites States Postal Service) with a return address in California. Detectives quickly did research and learned that the package address was a private residence and the company name listed was fictitious," St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said in a news release. He continued, “Armed with this knowledge, the Detectives secured the package and obtained a search warrant for the package and its contents. The package contained approximately two (2) pounds of high-grade marijuana.

Murphy is now facing charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute, along with an outstanding warrant. The Sheriff, however, urges anyone with additional information about this or any other crime is encouraged to call the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337-948-6516.

You may also call Crime Stoppers at 337-948-TIPS, download the P3 app on your mobile device or simply dial **TIPS on your mobile phone to tip. All calls are anonymous and you can earn a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.