Vermilion/Municipal Task Force arrests two after undercover operation

According to Sheriff Mike Couvillon, and Chief Tony Hardy, the Vermilion / Municipal task force recently made following arrests for drug-related offenses due to undercover operations conducted within the parish.
While working criminal patrol in high narcotics crime areas, agents conducted a stop after witnessing a traffic violation. Upon interviewing the driver, and passenger it was noted that their stories and physical actions were suspicious.
Utilizing the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office K-9 narcotics dog, an alert was made on the vehicle, indicating possible illicit narcotics were inside. After receiving permission to search from the driver, Cody Ficklen (dob 6-14-88) of Abbeville, crack cocaine was located inside of the vehicle.
The driver and passenger were brought to the Task Force building for further questioning. It was at this time that the passenger, Jacoby Lee (dob 11-30-87) of Abbeville, was found to be in possession of several rocks of crack cocaine. Agents also seized approximately $3700.00 in suspected drug proceed monies from both parties.
Both Ficklen and Lee were arrested and charged with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and transactions involving drug proceeds.
The Task force would like to thank the Abbeville Police Department Patrol division for their assistance at the scene.
Sheriff Mike Couvillon would like to thank the following persons for their effort in assisting with Task Force personnel. Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza, and Abbeville Chief of Police Tony Hardy “I realize times are financially tough all over, but the Mayors and Chiefs of these cities 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 benefactors 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.
More information on reporting drug activities can be seen on our Web Site at www.vpso.net. Click on Task Force for this information.