A traffic stop in Clarence on Sept. 3 around 2:20 am resulted in the arrests of a man and woman on drug charges, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright. NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau deputies were patrolling when they stopped a 2021 Hyundai passenger car for a traffic violation. Deputies identified the operator of the vehicle as Candice L. Rushing, 40 of Springfield.
Two other passengers, one identified as Zachary K. Thompson, 31 of Livingston, and another unnamed occupant not charged with a criminal offense were in the vehicle. Deputies say while speaking with the driver and vehicle occupants they smelled a strong marijuana odor and observed other indicators that led to believe criminal activity existed.
Deputies obtained consent to search the vehicle and occupants. During a search of the vehicle, deputies discovered and seized approximately 1.5 ounces of suspected marijuana packaged in two bags, 3-bags of THC infused edible candy, 1 bag containing approximately 1.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, syringes, and a weighing scale.
Rushing and Thompson were placed under arrest without incident.
Deputies say speaking with Rushing informing her that she would be searched upon arrival of the Natchitoches Detention Center she informed them she had illegal narcotics concealed in her bra. Rushing was allowed to retrieve the small bag containing 18 pharmaceutical narcotic pills suspected to be alprazolam and oxycodone.
As a result:
Rushing was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS Schedule I Marijuana, Possession of CDS Schedule I Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, 2nd or Subsequent Offenses, Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine, Possession of CDS Schedule IV Alprazolam, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Obstruction of Justice and traffic offenses.
Thomas was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine-2nd or Subsequent Offenses, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Criminal Obstruction of Justice.
Both remain incarcerated awaiting bond.
Deputies learned during the investigation that the suspects were traveling from Livingston Parish to Minden. The seized narcotics will be submitted to the crime lab for analysis.
Deputies S. Dieter and D. Caballero made the arrests.
