A traffic stop in north Natchitoches Parish has led to the arrest of a man and woman on drug charges that resulted in the seizure of suspected marijuana and methamphetamine according to Sheriff Stuart Wright. NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau deputies were patrolling on on Jan. 5 around 10:49 pm on Hwy. 9 north of Chestnut when they stopped a Chevrolet Avalanche for a traffic violation.
Deputies identified the driver of the vehicle as Samantha L. Durbin, 41 of Monroe. During the stop, deputies also learned a switched license plate was displayed on the vehicle. A NLETS computer check revealed Durbin had been convicted of Possession of CDS II Methamphetamine in 2019 and placed on probation. Upon coming in contact with Durbin, deputies smelled a strong marijuana odor coming from within the vehicle.
A passenger in the vehicle was identified as Marvin McCray II, 57 of Baton Rouge.
Deputies say while speaking with McCray, he informed them that he had smoked marijuana earlier and he had a bag of marijuana in the vehicle console. A back-up unit responded to assist for officer safety.
During a probable cause search of the vehicle, deputies discovered and seized suspected marijuana, baggies containing suspected methamphetamine, syringes, and smoking pipes commonly used to smoke illegal narcotics.
Deputies asked Durbin what would be in the vehicle and she replied “meth”. Durbin was placed under arrest without incident. A wrecker was contacted to impound the vehicle due the switched license plate.
As a result:
*Marvin McCray II, 57, of Baton Rouge was issued a citation for Simple Possession of CDS I Marijuana at the scene and released pending a court appearance.
*Samantha L. Durbin, 41, of Monroe was transported and booked into the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine-2nd Offense, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Switched License Plate and Equipment Violation.
She remains in jail awaiting bond. The seized evidence will be submitted to the crime lab for analysis. Deputy J. Wilkerson was assisted by Deputy S. Kennedy in the arrest. McCray was released at the scene therefore no mugshot is available.