PLAQUEMINE — Iberville Parish Sheriff’s narcotics agents have arrested two believed to be involved in trafficking illegal substances, specifically meth, into the parish. As a result of separate investigations, agents arrested Catina Vaughn of St. Gabriel and Juan Banks of Baton Rouge (originally from Plaquemine).
On March 26, Iberville Sheriff’s narcotic agents were investigating allegations of meth distribution in the St. Gabriel area. They searched a home at 7630 Bayou Paul Rd. in St. Gabriel. During the search, agents say they found meth that was packaged for sale, along with paraphernalia commonly used in the packaging and distribution of narcotics, according to officials.
Agents arrested the woman living there, who was Catina Vaughn. She is charged with:
- Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
In another investigation, agents were looking into the Banks Drug Trafficking Organization, which has been responsible for trafficking and distributing a large amount of illegal narcotics in the area, officials say.
Agents previously arrested John Banks, Donald Nelson, and Donovan Griffin, who are known associates of Juan Banks, according to officials. As a result of that investigation, agents were able to get an arrest warrant on Juan Banks for principal to distribute crack cocaine and principal to violation of a drug-free zone.
On March 27, agents found Juan Banks and conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, agents allegedly discovered approximately 4 pounds 7 ounces of crystal meth, which has an estimated street value of $80,000.
Juan Banks was arrested on the following outstanding warrants:
- Principal to distribution of crack cocaine
- Principal to violation of a drug-free zone
In addition, he was charged with:
- Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
- Expired vehicle registration
- No insurance
- Operating a vehicle with a suspended license
- Possession of marijuana
- Possession of methamphetamine (400 grams or more)
Both Vaughn and Banks have extensive criminal histories, according to the Iberville Sheriff’s Office. Banks is currently on felony probation.
Vaughn and Banks are currently being held at Iberville Parish Jail.
The investigations remain ongoing, and additional arrests may follow.
“These arrests have disrupted two major routes used by drug trafficking organizations to bring illegal substances into our parish. This methamphetamine was inevitably going to make its way back into our local community. With these arrests and the seizure of the drugs, we’ve dealt a significant blow to drug trafficking in our area,” said Sheriff Brett Stassi.
Anyone with information related to drug activity is encouraged to contact the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotic Division at (225) 687-5296.
Download the Unfiltered with Kiran app from the Apple App Store and Google Play to stay updated on the latest news across the Capital area.
Support UWK and its mission to deliver The News You Deserve. Unfiltered. Become a monthly patron on Patreon today!
