Berwick checkpoint results in three arrests on marijuana-related charges

The Berwick Police Department’s impaired driver checkpoint over the weekend resulted in three arrests on marijuana-related charges, Police Chief David Leonard said.
The checkpoint Friday night and into Saturday was a part of a late-summer and Labor Day campaign targeting drivers who have been drinking or are otherwise impaired.
—Samantha Harper, 29, Field Road. Bayou Vista, was arrested, at 9:58 p.m. Friday on charges of possession of marijuana (less than 14 grams) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
—Richard Willoughby, 34 years old, Bush Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:17 p.m. Friday on the charges of driving under suspension and possession of marijuana (less than 14 grams).
About 9:50 p.m. Friday, a vehicle driven by Willoughby entered the DWI checkpoint on La. 182.
While screening the driver for signs of impairment, officers detected an odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle, according to the Berwick Police Department press release.
The vehicle was pulled to the side and search was conducted. Willoughby was found to be in possession of marijuana and his driver’s license was suspended, the release said.
The passenger was identified as Harper and she was found to be in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, the release said.
They were both placed under arrest and were released on a summons to appear in court.
—Demetrius Green, 30, Carol Road, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 12:05 a.m. Saturday on charges of possession of marijuana (less than 14 grams) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
About 12:05 a.m. Saturday, a vehicle entered the DWI checkpoint on La. 182.
While screening the driver for signs of impairment, officers detected an odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle and observed the passenger trying to stuff something into his pants, the press release said.
The passenger was removed from the vehicle and identified as Green. He admitted to putting a bag of marijuana in his pants, and it was recovered.
He was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, police said.
Green was placed under arrest and was released on a summons to appear in court.