Morgan City man arrested on drug, gun charges

Morgan City police say they arrested a man Tuesday on a charge of possessing drugs destined for sale. The man also faces a gun charge.

Stephen Cortez, 55, Second Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:39 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law (drug-free zone).

The Morgan City Police Department Narcotics Division began an investigation into the illicit sales of narcotics from a residence in the area of Second Street. Cortez was identified as the suspect in the investigation, police said.

On Tuesday, investigators with the Morgan City Police Department along with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant on the residence. According to reports, a search produced suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and suspected marijuana, police said.

A firearm was also located.

Investigators uncovered evidence that illicit narcotics were destined for sale, according to police.

The residence was located within a drug-free zone. Cortez was arrested and transported to the Morgan City Jail, where he now awaits court proceedings.