Traffic Stop Results in Uncovering Crack Manufacturing Operation in Mandeville

A traffic stop on the evening of February 1, 2025 resulted in St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's
Office detectives uncovering a crack cocaine manufacturing operation at a Mandeville-area residence.

Detectives with the STPSO's Proactive Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop in the 69000 block of Highway 59 in Mandeville after observing a black Ford Raptor veer out of its lane of travel. The driver was identified 55-year-old Raymond Matos of Mandeville. Detectives located approximately 1.5 grams of suspected crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, $3,102 and an expired Louisiana driver’s license inside the vehicle.

Detectives then relocated to Matos’ residence in the 22000 block of Hoffman Road near Mandeville. With the assistance of K-9 Axle, detectives searched the home and located approximately 268 grams of suspected cocaine (over half a pound); approximately 4 grams of crack cocaine; one schedule II prescription pill; drug paraphernalia including scales, scouring pads, glass pipes and packaging material; and $9,000. Also located at the residence were items Matos used in his “home operation” to manufacture crack cocaine such as measuring cups, baking soda and a microwave.

Matos was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the charges of Improper Lane Use, Expired Driver’s License, Possession of Schedule II (Crack Cocaine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Transactions, Possession of Schedule II (Adderall), Possession with the Intent to Distribute (Cocaine), and Clandestine Lab.