According to a Task Force Official on July 17, 2020, NMJDTF Agents were conducting surveillance in reference to an ongoing narcotics investigation in the Breda Town community. During this surveillance Task Force Agents and NPSO Deputies initiated a Traffic Stop on a blue 2016 Kia Optima traveling southbound on Breda Avenue. During the course of the traffic stop Agents utilized the NMJDTF certified narcotics detection K-9, Misty on the exterior of the vehicle. K9 Misty alerted on the blue Kia Optima indicating narcotics might be present in the interior of the vehicle and Agents secured a narcotics search warrant, signed by a 10th District Judge, to search the interior of the blue 2016 Kia Optima’s interior compartments.
A search of the vehicle revealed two (2) United States Postal Service packages in the trunk of the vehicle. A search of the two packages revealed approximately two (2) pounds of suspected Marijuana.
The vehicle’s driver, Mr. Bruce Smith, of Natchitoches, Louisiana was arrested and charged with the following offense:
RS 40:966A – Possession of Schedule I (Marijuana) with Intent to Distribute
As a result of the seizure and arrest, Task Force Agents with the assistance of NPD CID Detectives executed an additional search warrant at a residence located in the 1200 block of Ash St.
While conducting further investigation agents arrested one Michael Smith B/M for the following offense:
RS 40:966A Distribution of CDS Schedule I (Marijuana)
Mr. Smith was placed in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center and given a return District Court date of September 15th 2020.
The Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force would like to thank the Citizens of Natchitoches for their support. Many times an investigation begins with a simple phone call or tip from a concerned citizen. For this reason the Task Force encourages all citizens to report any crimes in their neighborhoods anonymously by calling 318-357-2248, The Natchitoches Police Department, or the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Press Release: NMJDTF
