Anonymous Tips Result in 8 Drug-Related Arrests

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office reports that eight individuals were arrested Saturday (January 6, 2024) on various drug-related charges thanks anonymous tips sent in by concerned citizens in St. Tammany Parish.

Incident 1. On Saturday (January 6, 2024), detectives with the STPSO Narcotics Division conducted an investigation at a residence in 31000 block of May Street in Lacombe after receiving two separate anonymous complaints referencing suspected narcotics use and distribution at the home.

During the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and located and seized approximately 13.1 grams of methamphetamine,  6.9 grams of fentanyl, 8.5 dosage units of unlawfully possessed clonazepam tablets, 0.5 dosage units of unlawfully possessed oxycodone tablets and assorted drug paraphernalia to include digital scales, unused plastic baggies, smoking devices and snorting straws.

As a result of this investigation five individuals were arrested: 54 year-old Arthur Hoffman, 51 year-old  Tracy Hoffman, 52 year-old Neal Griggs, 55 year-old Sonja Watkins, and 31 year-old David Berns. 

Incident 2. Also on Saturday (January 6, 2024) and in response to another anonymous complaint, detectives with the STPSO Narcotics Division conducted an investigation and executed a search warrant at a residence in the 25000 block of West Spruce Street in Lacombe.

During their search of that residence, detectives located and seized approximately 24 grams of suspected marijuana, 0.2 grams of Methadone, 57 dosage units of Suboxone, four different types of legend drugs and an assortment of drug paraphernalia.

As a result of this investigation three individuals were arrested: 35 year-old Ashley Greer, 53 year-old Ronald Ferrand, and 66 year-old David Locke.

“Keeping illegal drugs out of our neighborhoods is a cooperative effort between law enforcement and our residents,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “I thank the alert and concerned residents who submitted tips and encourage others who notice suspicious behavior to do the same.”

Anyone with information about narcotics, or other crimes, can submit a tip utilizing the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office website (www.STPSO.com), or by calling the narcotics tip line (1-888-GO-2-JAIL).