STPSO Narcotics Detectives Got Another One!

Beginning in January 2024, detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Narcotics Division began investigating 42 year-old Eddie Encinia, who was believed to be distributing methamphetamine in St. Tammany Parish. During their investigation, detectives seized approximately 40 grams of
methamphetamine from Encinia, which led them to obtain a search warrant for his residence in the 35000 block of Garden Drive near Slidell.

Then, Detectives executed the search warrant on February 29, 2024 and seized an additional 145 grams of methamphetamine (more than 5 ounces) and more than 9 grams of marijuana.

Then, warrants were obtained for Encinia’s arrest, but he went into hiding.

Then, Detectives with the STPSO Narcotics Division, with the assistance of the STPSO Criminal Patrol Division, apprehended Encinia Tuesday (April 9, 2024) at a relative’s home on North Pine Street within Slidell city limits.

Encinia was booked into the Saint Tammany Parish Correctional Center for Distribution of Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Bond has been set at $205,504.00.

“I don’t want residents to get discouraged when they send in a tip and don’t see any arrests immediately,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “Sometimes, good investigations take time, and our narcotics detectives are very thorough and make sure all the Is are dotted and the Ts crossed to make a good case.”