On Sunday evening July 19th at approximately 11:40pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division were patrolling on La. Hwy 6 West near Hagewood, La., when they stopped a 2005 Chevrolet pickup truck for a traffic violation.
Deputies identified the driver of the vehicle as Demario Cortez Gilbert, 26, of the 900 block of Neil Wagoner Road, Winnfield, La.
Deputies say during the traffic stop, Gilbert did not give his full name and they learned he did not have a drivers license.
Gilbert also appeared to very nervous and gave conflicting stories that lead them to believe criminal activity existed.
Deputies obtained permission to search Gilbert and the vehicle, discovering a duffle bag in the vehicle containing approximately 1.1 pounds of suspected high grade marijuana commonly called “kush” with a potential street value of over $8000.
Natchitoches Multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Force Agents also responded to the scene to assist.
As a result of the investigation, deputies arrested:
Demario Cortez Gilbert, 26 of the 900 block of Neil Wagoner Road, Winnfield, La., transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS Schedule I Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, No Drivers License, and traffic offenses.
Gilbert remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center awaiting bond.
Sheriff Jones stated NPSO Deputies will continue to enforce traffic laws in Natchitoches Parish that may lead to the detection of illegal narcotics, weapons, and wanted person traveling through Natchitoches Parish.
A Task Force official believes the illegal narcotics was intended for distribution in Winn Parish.
A local wrecker impounded the vehicle.
Deputies J. Axsom and T. Pledger were assisted by Natchitoches Multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Force agents and deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division.