Drugs, guns seized by Sheriff's Office in Baldwin, Four Corners stops

The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office said drugs and firearms were seized in traffic stops Wednesday in Baldwin and Four Corners.

"With the events of today we take our jobs seriously," Sheriff Blaise Smith said on the office's Facebook page. "We're making every effort to get the drugs and guns off the streets of St. Mary Parish. Do the crime, expect to do the time."

The Sheriff's Office accounts of the arrests:

--Lazon McDaniel, 24, Jeanerette, was arrested at 9 p.m. Wednesday by the Narcotics Section on a charge of possession of marijuana. McDaniel also held two active warrants alleging racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering.

--Donte Cross, 28, Jeanerette, was arrested at 9 p.m. Wednesday by the Narcotics Section on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, resisting an officer, transactions involving drug proceeds and possession of drug paraphernalia.

--Jamontre Batist, 18, New Iberia, was arrested at 9 p.m. Wednesday by the Narcotics Section on charges of illegal carrying of a weapon, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, criminal trespass, obstruction off justice and resisting an officer.

--Devontre Phillips, 21, Baldwin, was arrested at 9 p.m. Wednesday by the Narcotics Section on charges of reckless operation of a vehicle and flight from an officer.

Deputies were patrolling the area of Railroad Avenue in Baldwin when they observed a gold vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Railroad Avenue. The deputies activated their lights and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, which turned quickly and accelerated.

After a short pursuit, the vehicle came to a stop, and two suspects began to flee on foot. The deputies observed one of the subjects to be in possession of a rifle. The deputies pursued and apprehended the subjects on foot while other deputies made contact with the two subjects who were still in the vehicle.

Through the investigation, detectives recovered a loaded AK47 pistol and a large amount of marijuana.

Phillips, Batist, Cross, and McDaniel were transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail was set at $262,000 for McDaniel, $25,000 for Batist, and $19,000 for Cross.

Phillips was released on a $2,000 bond.

--Ja'Quincy Polidore, 22, Jeanerette, was arrested at 3:44 p.m. Wednesday by the Narcotics Section on a charge of possession of marijuana. Polidore was released on a summons to appear May 10.

--Trevun Miller, 20, Jeanerette, was arrested at 3:44 p.m. Wednesday by the Narcotics Section on charges of possession of marijuana, driving on roadway laned for traffic, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, illegal possession of a stolen firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia.

--Oshaun Smith, 19, Jeanerette, was arrested at 3:44 p.m. Wednesday by the Narcotics Section on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, illegal possession of stolen firearms, possession of promethazine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On Wednesday, detectives with the SMPSO Narcotics Section were patrolling the area of Four Corners when they observed a silver vehicle cross the fog line on the right side of the road. The detectives conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and made contact with the occupants.

While conducting the stop, the detectives smelled a strong odor of marijuana from the vehicle. Detectives made contact with the driver, Miller, and two passengers, Polidore and Smith. Through their investigation detectives found Miller to be in possession of a stolen firearm on his person. Drugs and another firearm were located, belonging to Smith, and Polidore had marijuana in his possession.

Polidore was released on a summons to appear May 10. Smith and Miller were transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking.

Miller was released on a $13,750 bond. Smith was released on a $16,500 bond.