The Vermilion / Municipal Narcotics Task Force recently made the following arrests for drug related crimes:

- Wendell Gage (dob 6-1-77) of Abbeville, arrested and charged with selling crack cocaine to an undercover agent, distribution of cocaine. Total bond set $25,000.

- Roderick Rice, (dob 8-10-93) arrested and charged with felony possession of marijuana. Total bond set was $2,000.

- Paul Rice (dob 10-24-81) of Abbeville, arrested for 2nd offense possession of marijuana. Upon agents approaching Rice and making the arrest, Rice was found to be in possession of yet more suspected marijuana. Rice was subsequently arrested for two counts of possession of marijuana. Total bond set was $4,000

While working criminal patrol in high drug crime areas, agents made a traffic stop after one Calvin Broussard Jr. (dob 3-3-71) of Abbeville, committed a traffic violation. After being mirandized, a brief interview took place. Agents were able to ascertain that Broussard had just left a residence and purchased four small bags of marijuana. Broussard relinquished the suspected marijuana to the agents and was subsequently arrested for possession with the intent to distribute marijuana. Total bond set was $10,000.

Sheriff Mike Couvillon would like to thank the following persons for their effort in assisting with Task Force personnel. Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza, Kaplan Mayor Kirk Champagne, Abbeville Chief of Police Tony Hardy and Kaplan Chief Boyd Adams “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 people of Vermilion and our children are the benefactors of these city leaders’ great efforts. It is my hope that in the near future other towns and cities in the parish of Vermilion will be able to assist in the continuing fight against illicit drugs.”

Finally, Sheriff Couvillon would like to applaud the concerned citizens of Vermilion Parish for their awareness and assistance in helping the Sheriff’s Office in fighting the war on illegal drugs. He encourages all citizens 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 and your e-mail will be held in the “strictest of confidence” and replied to in a very timely manner.

More information on reporting drug activities can be seen on our Web Site at www.vpso.net. Click on Task Force for this information.