PONCHATOULA — Three men were recently arrested on a variety of drugs charges, including intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and meth after Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) Narcotics agents began investigating a home. The agents received multiple complaints from neighbors about suspicious activities in the area.
Narcotics agents started investigating after receiving multiple complaints in January from neighbors concerned about possible drug trafficking activities near South Range and Brickyard Roads in Ponchatoula. TPSO received several tips and so did Crime Stoppers.
In their investigation, agents say they tracked the activity to a home in the 41000 block of Jefferson Road. Over several weeks, detectives saw a high volume of visitors coming to and from the home.
With assistance from multiple agencies, TPSO deputies conducted a search warrant on the home on Tuesday, Feb. 25th.
During the search, deputies arrested Demarkeal Pines inside the home. Meanwhile, two other men, identified as Carderro Frederick and Marvin Wells, ran away, throwing packages of drugs along the way, according to officials.
With the help of a K-9 team and a drone operator, both Frederick and Wells were located and arrested.
During the search of the home and the suspects, detectives say they found fentanyl pills, meth, marijuana, crack cocaine, heroin, a cocaine-water solution and other materials that are commonly used to convert powder cocaine into crack cocaine, digital scales and packaging material, along with $1,500 in cash.
Carderro Frederick, 35, and Marvin Wells, 17, were arrested and both booked on charges of possession with intent to distribute heroin/fentanyl, crack cocaine, ICE (methamphetamines), operation of a clandestine laboratory, conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances and resisting an officer.
Demarkeal Pines, 24, was arrested and booked as a fugitive from probation & parole, operation of a clandestine laboratory, and conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances.
This investigation is ongoing.
Sheriff Gerald Sticker continues to encourage residents to report all instances of suspicious activity to TPSO for investigation. To share information anonymously, you can do so through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1 (800) 554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip! You may be eligible for a cash reward.
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!
