Citizens’ Tips Result in 6 Arrests and Seizures of Drugs and Firearms in Slidell Area

It was a busy but productive Saturday (November 11, 2023) for detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Narcotics Division. Search warrants were executed at two Slidell-area residences in connection with separate investigations, both after concerned citizens called in with anonymous tips. These searches resulted in the arrest of six individuals, warrants being issued for two more, and the seizure of an assortment of illegal drugs and two firearms, one of which had been reported stolen.

Location 1. At approximately 10:30 a.m. Saturday, detectives with the STPSO Narcotics Division were investigating a complaint of drug activity at a residence in the 37000 block of West Hilcrest Drive in Slidell when they came into contact with 46 year-old James Boston, 39 year-old Craig Hamilton, 28 year-old Joshua Gayles and a juvenile.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the property and located 74.34 grams of suspected crack cocaine, approximately 1,031 dosage units (140.15 grams) of suspected counterfeit oxycodone pills, one suboxone sublingual film, one firearm and an assortment of drug paraphernalia.

Detectives also learned all three subjects were convicted felons and the firearm had been reported stolen out of Orleans Parish.  

Hamilton, and Gayles were arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on numerous drug and firearms offenses. Boston was transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for a medical condition and an arrest warrant has been obtained for his arrest on numerous drug and firearms offenses. The juvenile was placed in the custody of a family member.     

Location 2. While the first investigation was going on, detectives with the STPSO Narcotics Division’s Proactive Enforcement Unit responded to a residence on Nuevo Street in Slidell after receiving a complaint of drug activity at that location.

Detectives came in contact with 31 year-old Anthony Melerine Jr., 25 year-old Gabrielle Melerine, 29 year-old Kelsey Melerine, 28 year-old Cynthia White and 28 year-old Tyler Parker. During their investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and located suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, suboxone, marijuana, an abundance of drug paraphernalia and a semi-automatic handgun.

• Anthony Melerine Jr. was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the charges of Possession of Suboxone and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 
• Gabrielle Melerine was arrested and issued a summons for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.. 
• Kelsey Melerine was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the charges of Possession of Fentanyl, Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana (summons). 
• Cynthia White was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the charges of Possession of Suboxone, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana (summons). 
• Tyler Parker was transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for a medical condition and an arrest warrant has been obtained for his arrest on the charges of Possession of Fentanyl, Possession of Meth, Possession of Firearm with CDS, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Sheriff Randy Smith thanks those residents who have called in with tips about suspected illegal narcotics use and sales in their neighborhoods, especially the ones who provided the information that ultimately resulted in these arrests.

Sheriff Smith is asking anyone with information about narcotics, or other crimes, to submit a tip utilizing the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office website (www.stpso.com), by calling the narcotics tip line (1-888-GO-2-JAIL), or by calling Crimestoppers. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

“Keeping illegal drugs out of our neighborhoods is a cooperative effort between law enforcement and our residents,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “If you suspect someone is selling drugs in our community, please report it, we will investigate.”