Traffic stop results in drug bust

A routine traffic stop by Kaplan police officers escalated into a narcotics investigation and arrest.

Detective Barry Krawchuk, Sgt. Cates and Ptn. Breaux searched the vehicle and found approximately 3½ pounds of marijuana.

Arrested was Hilton Stewart, 22, of 505 N. Lemaire, Kaplan. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school; possession of a Schedule II within 1,000 feet of a school; intimidating a police officer and aggravated flight from a police officer.

The estimated street value of the drugs is between $1,200 - $1,500.

The vehicle and cash involved was seized by the Kaplan Police.

According to the report, this investigation concluded as one of the biggest drug busts in Kaplan by the Kaplan Police Department and its own narcotics division.

In an unrelated incident, Kaplan police received an anonymous tip on possible drug activitiy at an establishment on the 300 block of Martin Luther King Drive in Kaplan.

Quickly acting on the tip, officers arrested Jamie Vallery, 21, of 1627 Graceland Road, Abbeville.

Vallery was charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics (crack cocaine.)

Bond was set at $25,000.

Both Stewart and Vallery remain incarcerated in Kaplan.