Three Opelousas men arrested following a traffic stop for drugs and firearms trafficking

OPELOUSAS (KLFY) – Three Opelousas men have been arrested for drug and firearms trafficking following a traffic stop, according to a press release from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.

On Thursday, MPs stopped a 2003 Chevrolet Impala for a traffic violation. When they approached the vehicle, a strong odor was detected, the statement said.

During a search of the vehicle, MPs found approximately 83.4 grams of marijuana, five rectangular boxes labeled, GEN with each box containing THC pods, four digital scales, pill bottles containing 35 pills of Xanax suspects, Springfield Armory XD5, a 9-mile handgun, and a 9-mile handgun, a caliber pistol-style automatic rifle and $ 2,794 in cash.

The following men were arrested and placed in St. Landry Parish Prison without bail.

Keavonte Malik Rideau, 21, faces charges of possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, transactions involving the proceeds of drug offenses, possession in intention to distribute controlled substances, possession of controlled substances and traffic violations.

Terrance Earl Jones, Jr., 21, faces possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled substances, controlled substances with intent to distribute involving the proceeds of drug offenses

Meldrick Kevin Hayes, Jr., 22, faces charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled substances and controlled substances involving the proceeds from drug offenses.