The Vermilion/ Municipal Narcotics Task Force was busy with prescription violations recently.

While working street drug intervention, agents, along with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office K-9 division noticed a vehicle make several stops at local area drug dealer’s residences. Upon leaving one of the residences, the driver committed a traffic violation, and upon agent’s attempting to stop the vehicle, the driver began speeding up in attempts to elude the agents. After committing several more violations, agents were able to stop the vehicle on Jefferson St in Abbeville. As agents approached the vehicle they noticed several blue pills in plain view on the floorboard of the car. Agents took the driver into custody while detaining the passenger. Upon further investigation it was found that the driver, Howard Lee Bessard (dob 11-9-61) of Abbeville, had just purchased the illicit pills, and upon noticing law enforcement attempting to pull him over, he threw the pills on the floor board. Bessard was charged with possession of a schedule III narcotic (Lortab) and several traffic violations. Total bond set was $50,000.

In other action, agents served a search warrant at 1106 Vernon St in Abbeville after receiving complaints of illicit prescription pill sales taking place. After entering the residence agents seized several pill bottles, along with numerous types of illegal pills. Agents arrested Dianne Lewis, (dob 6-23-57) of Abbeville for possession with the intent to distribute a schedule III drug (Lortab), possession of a schedule IV drug (Soma) and transaction involving drug proceeds. Total bond set was $32,500.

Sheriff Mike Couvillon would like to thank Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza, and Abbeville Chief of Police Tony Hardy for their effort in assisting with Task Force personnel.

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.