Maurice Police, Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force agents arrest two after meth found in mail package

Saturday, Aug. 22 proved that when local law enforcement agencies work together for the good of the people of Vermilion Parish, great things can occur.
What began as an anonymous tip lead to a narcotic investigation by the Maurice Police Department and the Vermilion Narcotics Task Force, which culminated in the seizure of approximately eight ounces of crystal methamphetamine, and two arrests.
Earlier last week, Maurice Police Chief Warren Rost received information pertaining to suspected methamphetamine being moved through the United States Mail Service. Chief Rost immediately disseminated this information to Darrell Guillory, an officer with Maurice Police department, who in turn contacted postal agents, in an attempt to confirm the validity of the complaint. During this process, Maurice Police also enlisted the aid of the Vermilion Narcotics Task Force for support with the investigation.
Upon intercepting the package, Guillory, who is a K-9 handler, utilized a drug dog in an attempt to obtain probable cause for a search warrant on the package in question. After a positive alert on the package, a search warrant was applied for, and granted by Judge Ed Broussard of the 15th Judicial District. Agents and officers set up surveillance in an attempt to apprehend the suspect when he made an attempt to pick up his package.
Upon the suspect’s arrival he obtained his package. Agents moved in as the suspect, Troy Blake, 47, of Lafayette, attempted to discard the package. Blake was detained, along with another subject in the vehicle, Mark Harris, 24, of Plaquemine, La. Upon opening the package, it was noted that approximately eight ounces of crystal methamphetamine was inside. After a brief interrogation, both Blake and Harris were arrested and taken to the Vermilion Parish Correctional Center. Blake was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, while Harris was charged with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Chief Rost said he would like to thank his officers, Sheriff Mike Couvillon, the task force, and all those involved, for their assistance in getting these drugs off of the streets.