Two men were arrested on gun and drug charges Tuesday after several illegal weapons were found, according to St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz

OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- Two men were arrested on gun and drug charges Tuesday after several illegal weapons were found, according to St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz.

Jaquey Hicks, 27, of Opelousas, is charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule I narcotic (Marijuana), illegal possession of a firearm in the presence of drugs and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

Joseph Hill, 40, of Opelousas, is charged with possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office said detectives responded to Myrtle Street in Opelousas on Tuesday regarding a wanted suspect. 

"While detectives were outside of the residence, they came into contact with two individuals who were smoking marijuana inside of a silver Buick at the rear of the property and a Canik 9mm semi-automatic pistol was inside of the vehicle,” Guidroz said.

Authorities said a second silver Buick was also observed on the property and a rifle barrel was protruding in plain view from the rear floorboard. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and all the vehicles on premises.

The owner of the car containing the rifle, later identified as Hill, arrived at the residence, and unlocked the car. During a search of the vehicle, detectives located one Ruger AR-556 semi-automatic rifle, which was reported stolen from Washington, Louisiana. 

Authorities said detectives found approximately 702 grams of suspected marijuana in a shed on the property, along with an Aero Precision AR-15 rifle, and upon a further search located an additional 165 grams of suspected marijuana packaged to sell. 

Hill was booked on his charges on a $15,000 bond. Hicks, who was one of the occupants of the first silver Buick, is being held without bond.

The second occupant of the first silver Buick was not charged during this incident.

Latest news