Execution of a search warrant Monday led to the arrest of a man for drug and child abuse charges.

According to a departmental release, on Aug. 27 at about 8 p.m., Picayune Police Narcotics detectives and Police Patrol officers executed a search warrant at 802 S. Main St. after receiving multiple complaints from the community in regard to illegal narcotic activity.

When they arrived, detectives could smell a strong odor of what the believed to be marijuana outside the residence. When they went inside, they found the suspect, identified as Leon Lama Washington, 25, 802 S. Main St, inside the kitchen. According to the release, detectives detained Washington and searched him for safety measures.

After conducting a search of his person, detectives discovered a plastic bag in his pocket, which contained a green leafy substance they believed to be hydroponic marijuana.

After searching the house more thoroughly, detectives found a blue coffee container which was full of a loose leafy substance they believed to be more hydroponic marijuana. They also found a large plastic bag with more of the substance in a laundry basket in the bedroom, the release states.

In the top dresser drawer of the bedroom detectives found a digital scale with more of the leafy substance. They also found a sandwich box of plastic bags in the closet. According to the release, sandwich bags and digital scales are often used for the distribution of narcotics.

According to the release, several children between the ages of 2- and 13-years-old were at the home.

After concluding their search detectives arrested Washington for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and felony child abuse due to the children being in such close proximity to drugs, the release states.

According to the release, the children were released to their grandmother and Child Protective Services were informed of the situation.