Vermilion/Municipal Narcotics Task Force Makes Three Arrests

It has been a very busy week for the Vermilion/Municipal Narcotics Task Force as they made three drug related arrests while they were working street sales distribution cases.  In the first case, agents say they received information about 46-year-old Charles Martin of Crowley.  Their tip, they report, was about Martin trying to buy crack.

Task Force members report that Martin was observed meeting up with an unknown suspect meet up.  Agents say it looked like it was a hand to hand purchase of illegal drugs. Agents grabbed Martin, advised of him of his  Miranda rights and that’s when agents say he admitted to purchasing crack from the other person.  Agents say he handed over the drugs, and they have arrested for possession of cocaine.

In another incident, agents of the task force says they were patrolling a high drug activity area when they say car pulled to make what they say looked like a drug sales between the people in the car and someone on the street.

Agents say as they went to the car, the suspect left the scene, but committed a traffic violation while doing so.  Agents investigated, and they say the driver was 28-year-old John Medina.  Agents suspect Medina bought marijuana from the person on the street, and when agents stopped the car he asked the female suspect in the vehicle, 37-year-old Coby Choate of Erath, to hide the evidence on her person, which she did.

Medina was charged with Distribution of Marijuana and contempt of court,while Choate was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.  Agents say when they when back to the scene the dealer was already gone.

Sheriff Mike Couvillon says,  “I realize times are financially tough all over, but the Mayors and Chiefs of these cities are committed to finding the funds to help the Task Force combat the illicit drugs problem that ruins our communities.” The sheriff encourages anyone with information in regards to illegal drug activities to contact the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office or the Vermilion Parish Municipal Narcotics Task Force at 337-740-4501 or E-mail the Task Force anonymously at taskforce@vpso.net