Police: Investigation nets 9 pounds of synthetic marijuana

Jarvis Reynaud, 33, of Lake Charles, was arrested following an investigation that police say... — Jarvis Reynaud, 33, of Lake Charles, was arrested following an investigation that police say netted 21 grams of alprazolam, 7 pounds of ecstasy/MDMA, over 9 pounds of synthetic marijuana, and over 1 pound of marijuana; with a total estimated street value of $54,000.(Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office)

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Authorities say 9 pounds of synthetic marijuana and 1 pound of marijuana were found during an investigation resulting from a traffic stop on I-10.

Detectives with the Combined Anti-Drug Task Force (C.A.T. Team) also found approximately 21 grams of alprazolam, 7 pounds of ecstasy/MDMA, according to Kayla Vincent, spokeswoman for the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. In total, the drugs had a total estimated street value of $54,000.

The investigation followed a stop for a traffic violation near the Creole exit on I-10 westbound around 3:30 p.m. Monday, Vincent said.

Vincent said when the driver, Jarvis J. Reynaud, 33, of Lake Charles, began to act suspiciously, detectives deployed a drug detection dog to conduct a free air sniff around the vehicle. The dog indicated the presence of drugs.

During a subsequent search of the car detectives found two bags of ecstasy/MDMA tablets, a bag of alprazolam tablets, and a bag of marijuana, Vincent said. Detectives also found a firearm, which had previously been reported stolen through the Sheriff’s Office.

Detectives then obtained a search warrant for Reynaud’s residence and found numerous gallon and sandwich-sized zip lock bags of synthetic marijuana, a large bag of marijuana, and several bags of ecstasy/MDMA tablets, Vincent said. Detectives also found another stolen firearm, which had previously been reported through the Lake Charles Police Department.

Reynaud, a convicted felon, was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center for a traffic citation; 2 counts of possession of CDS I with intent to distribute; possession of CDS IV with intent to distribute; possession of drug paraphernalia; illegal carrying of a weapon in the presence of a CDS; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and illegal possession of a stolen firearm. Reynaud also has a parole detainer. His bond has not yet been set.