St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s narcotics agents and SWAT team members seized weapons, drugs and about $28,900 in cash after executing a “high-risk” search warrant in Lawtell on Tuesday.
A Lawtell couple face a litany of charges after the raid on their residence in the 2700 block of La. 752.
Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said, “Narcotic agents along with the SWAT team made entry into the residence through the side door facing east. The storm door was reinforced by what appeared to be ballistic glass or some type of non-shattering or reinforced glass and door frame. The home also was equipped with a video surveillance system around the home. Agents entered the home and located Kelonda Thibodeaux holding an infant child in her arms. Agents then located her husband Brandon Thibodeaux in the master bedroom closet.”
Guidroz stated, “Brandon Thibodeaux along with his wife, Kelonda Pitre Thibodeaux, and their 3-year-old child were transported to the juvenile office. Both Brandon and Kelonda Thibodeaux refused to talk to the agents. Both were booked into the parish jail and denied bond. Child Protection Services were notified and released the 3-year- old to a family member.”
He added, “This major drug bust is a result of an ongoing investigation that lasted for fouryears and agents were finally able to obtain a search warrant. Our commitment remains to ridding our streets of drug dealers that put our lives at risk.”
Guidroz reported the following items were seized during the raid:
— About $28,979 dollars of U.S. currency in various denominations;
— About 626 grams of methamphetamine packaged for resale and distribution with an approximate street value of $31,300;
— About 11 grams of heroin packaged in several baggies for resale and distribution with an approximate street value of $2,200;
— About 592 grams of powder cocaine packaged for resale and distribution with an approximate street value of $29,600;
— About 746 grams of marijuana packaged for resale and distribution with an approximate street value of $8,000;
— About 99 grams of crack cocaine packaged for resale and distribution with an approximate street value of $3,000;
— About 21 pills of Estacy (MDMA) pills packaged in two separate baggies with an approximate street value of $420;
— Seven handguns containing fully loaded magazines (18 total) also extended magazines ranging from .380 calibers, .357, 9 mm, to .40 calibers, of which two were reported stolen;
— Four assault rifles (caliber 7.62 x 39) AK-47, SKS and a Draco pistol type rifles, with eight fully loaded magazines and also extended magazines;
— Nine various sized scales to weigh out the illegal narcotics from grams to pounds;
— Four cell phones;
— Several boxes of ammunition for the pistols and rifles;
— Drug paraphernalia;
— Two glass or porcelain coffee cup type containers used for cooking “crack” containing cocaine and crack cocaine reside; and
— One marijuana grow house used to produce and manufacture high grade marijuana.
Brandon Ignatius Thibodeaux, 30, of the 1800 block of Duplechain Road, Church Point, and Kelonda Pitre Thibodeaux, 35, 2700 block of Highway 752, Opelousas, are charged with three counts of possession with intent to distribute Schedule I controlled dangerous substance; possession of drug paraphernalia; i
Transactions involving proceeds from drug offense illegal carrying of weapons in the presence of a CDS; possession of a firearm by persons convicted of certain felonies; two counts of illegal possession of stolen firearms; two counts of possession with intent to distribute Schedule II CDS; illegal use of a CDS in the presence of a person under 17 years of age; and device used for Schedule I CDS (Grow House)
Brandon Thibodeaux also faces a four counts of distribution of Schedule II drugs.