St. Tammany Detectives Have Busy Weekend

It was another busy weekend for members of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Narcotics and Proactive Enforcement units, with investigators making six arrests in the Lacombe area on Saturday (March 23, 2024).

1.     After developing information regarding narcotics sales in the area, investigators traveled to a residence in the 20000 block of W. Spruce St. where probable cause was established for the issuance of a search warrant. A variety of drugs, two handguns, and assorted drug paraphernalia was located. Arrested were 45 year-old Shashamby Diaz and 26 year-old Ahmad Batiste. 

2.     After leaving the residence on W. Spruce, investigators conducted a traffic stop on N. Pontchartrain Drive and came into contact with 66 year-old David Williams. Williams had seven failure to appear attachments. He was arrested on attachments stemming from charges for Possession of Stolen Things, Theft, Possession of drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule I CDS, Possession of Schedule II CDS and Refusal to Identify.

3.     Detectives then traveled to Shirley Sweet Shop Road, after receiving information regarding possible narcotics sales in that area. While patrolling the area, detectives came into contact with 41 year-old Crystal Batiste who was arrested on charges of Possession of a Schedule I CDS (marijuana), Possession of Schedule II CDS (methamphetamine), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

4.     Detectives also conducted a traffic stop on Sycamore Street, where contact was made with 28 year-old Daniel Hopkins and 40 year-old Heather Sharp. The investigation that followed revealed that the pair was in possession of approximately 3.8 grams of suspected fentanyl and they were arrested on various drug and traffic charges.

“The detectives in our Narcotics and Proactive Enforcement Units have taken a very proactive approach, working in the areas where we are receiving tips and information about suspected drug activity, to locate and arrest those individuals who are bringing these dangerous drugs into our community,” Sheriff Randy Smith said, “but it takes a partnership between law enforcement and citizens. I encourage everyone to continue calling in the tips when they see something suspicious in their neighborhood.”

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), or by calling the narcotics tip line (1-888-GO-2-JAIL).