Big Drug Bust in Vermilion Parish

According to Sheriff Mike Couvillon and Chief Tony Hardy, the Vermilion / Municipal task force recently made the following arrests for drug related offenses due to undercover operations conducted within the parish.
On Thursday, Feb. 20, agents with the task force received information on suspected drug activity at 709 North Bailey Street in Abbeville.
This information was obtained through several different agencies. After speaking, and coordinating with the Sulphur Police Department, State Police, and the DEA, the Task Force was able to apply for, and obtain a search warrant for 709 N. Bailey Street in Abbeville, which is owned, rented or occupied by Jonathan Thibodeaux (Date of birth 4-22-86).
Upon execution of the warrant, officers with all of the above mentioned enforcement agencies gained access after meeting with resistance from Thibodeaux.
After securing the scene, a search was conducted which yielded the seizure of over 15 pounds of suspected marijuana with a street value of more than $30,000, several prescription pills, crack cocaine, and items used for the sale and distribution of the illicit narcotic.
Agents also seized $26,410 in suspected drug proceed monies.
Thibodeaux was arrested and charged with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, possession with the intent to distribute a schedule IV narcotic, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, manufacturing of crack cocaine, and transactions involving drug proceeds.
Sheriff Mike Couvillon states, “This is the reason these agents attend training and conferences year round. The network of officers they meet gives them a connection to helping fight the drug problem state wide.
He added, “Through the Louisiana Narcotics Officers Association, the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association and other agency contacts, we get to see how communication between offices aid in this war. I want to personally thank Sulphur Police Department, Louisiana State Police and the DEA for their cooperation in this case.”
Sheriff Couvillon said that there are several other targets in this investigation, and the task force will be obtaining warrants for them in the near future.
Sheriff Mike Couvillon would like to thank Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza and the city council, along with Chief Tony Hardy for their effort in assisting with Task Force personnel. “I realize times are financially tough all over, but the Mayor and Chief of this city are committed to finding the funds to help the Task Force combat the illicit drugs problem that ruins our communities. The people of Vermilion and our children are the beneficiaries of these city leaders’ great efforts. It is my hope that in the near future other towns and cities in the parish of Vermilion will be able to assist in the continuing fight against illicit drugs.”
Finally, Sheriff Couvillon would like to applaud the concerned citizens of Vermilion Parish for their awareness and assistance in helping the Sheriff’s Office in fighting the war on illegal drugs. He encourages all citizens with information in regards to illegal drug activities to contact the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office or the Vermilion Parish Municipal Narcotics Task Force at 337-740-4501 or E-mail the Task Force anonymously at taskforce@vpso.net and your e-mail will be held in the “strictest of confidence” and replied to in a very timely manner.