Picayune narcotics detectives removed drugs from city streets through routine traffic stops.
During three separate incidents, narcotics detectives confiscated various controlled substances, weapons and paraphernalia.
One such incident occurred on March 29 at 8:20 p.m. when detectives conducted a traffic stop for careless driving at Jackson Landing Road and Chestnut Drive, Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri said.
While speaking with the driver, detectives observed one of the passengers, identified as Nicky Smith, 38, of 110 Luther Davis Road, acting nervously, Magri said.
Detectives asked Smith to exit the vehicle, and while doing so they observed a brown powdery substance believed to be heroin on Smith’s seat, Magri said.
A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a syringe under the seat containing an unknown liquid and two other used syringes in the driver’s side door, Magri said.
Investigators were able to confirm the syringes belonged to Smith, but it was unclear why there were located in the driver’s door. Detectives also located a homemade Bowie knife between the driver’s seat and the center console, Magri said.
At that time, Smith was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia, Magri said.
After running Smith’s license through the criminal database, detectives learned he had previous felony arrests, but it was unclear if Smith was convicted of those offenses. A charge will be added for possession of a weapon by a convicted felon if Smith was guilty of those offenses, Magri said.
Two other arrests were made on April 5 by narcotics detectives.
At 3:01 p.m. that day, detectives conducted a traffic stop on Goodyear Boulevard near North Main Street for careless driving, Magri said.
Upon speaking with the driver, identified as David Lee Case, 54, of 550 Alamucha Street Lot #3, Marion, Mississippi, detectives observed his eyes to be bloodshot and constricted and his speech slurred, Magri said.
As a marked patrol unit arrived on scene to assist, the officer spoke with Case and asked him to exit the vehicle, observing him to be unsteady on his feet. The officer also noticed a strong odor of an intoxicating beverage coming from Case, Magri said.
Case underwent several field sobriety tests and as a result was arrested for DUI first offense, Magri said.
Detectives then conducted a search of his vehicle, locating a pill bottle containing three yellow pills identified as Valium, one oval-shaped pill identified as hydrocodone and a clear plastic bag containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana, Magri said.
Detectives also learned that Case had no driver’s license and no proof of insurance. Case consented to a blood test and was transported to Highland Community Hospital before being arrested for DUI first offense, possession of a schedule II controlled substance and possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle. He was also cited for no proof of insurance, no driver’s license and careless driving, Magri said.
At 8:15 p.m. that same day, narcotics detectives conducted a traffic stop on East Canal Street for speeding. Despite detectives’ use of lights and sirens, the driver of the vehicle refused to stop, Magri said.
After a short pursuit, detectives were able to stop the vehicle at East Canal Street and North Jackson Avenue, but the driver refused to exit despite commands from officers, Magri said.
After a short time, detectives and a patrol officer who arrived on scene were able to open the driver’s side door and identify the suspect as Aaron Smith, 32, of #3 Ester Lane, Carriere, who became combative, Magri said.
After detectives took Aaron Smith into custody, they conducted a search of his person, locating a glass pipe, which contained a burnt residue, commonly used for smoking narcotics, in his pocket, Magri said.
While speaking with Aaron Smith, detectives noticed his pupils were constricted and he was unable to stand still, as if he was under the influence of a controlled substance, Magri said.
A search of vehicle located a plastic bag containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana on the passenger seat and a breath mint container under the driver’s seat with one Suboxone film and one blue pill identified as Clonazepam inside, Magri said.
A check of his license showed it was suspended and Aaron Smith was unable to provide proof of insurance. He refused several requests for field sobriety tests and was taken into custody, Magri said.
Aaron Smith was arrested for DUI first offense refused test, possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle, two misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance, failure to yield to blue lights and sirens, disorderly conduct failure to comply, driving while license suspended, speeding, and no proof of insurance, Magri said.