Rare Crystal meth drug bust in Erath

ERATH - The Erath Police Department conducted the largest crystal meth drug bust in more than 10 years on the streets of Erath, according to the chief of police.

Thanks to a tip from a man from New Iberia, the Erath Police Department learned crystal meth was being sold out of a house in Erath on East Bourque Street.

Arrested at 407 Bourque Street were Jeremie Suire, Amanda Strother and Anita Dugas.

Suire and Dugas were both charged with possession of methemphetamines with intent to distribute, possession of drugs without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled dangerous in the presence of a juvenile.

Their total bond was $28,000 each. Strother was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

The drug bust came thanks to a phone tip that the police received the night before.

Erath Police Chief Gerald Hebert said a man called and left his name and number and informed the police that packets of meth were allegedly being sold out of the home at 704 Bourque Street in Erath.

Hebert said he sent deputies Larry Landry and Jeff Vincent to interview the man the next day. After it was determined his story was credible, the Chief got a search warrant to raid the house.

Chief Hebert said at 4 p.m. Thursday, eight Erath police officers and Chief Hebert conducted a “No Knock” Search Warrant. The police were in the back door and front door when they raided the home without knocking.

What they found was a meth distribution center where it looked like Suire and Dugas were selling half ounce bags of meth out of their home on East Bourque Street. When the police raided their home, they also located a two year old baby in the house.

They also found scales to allegedly weigh the drugs, scissors, smoking pipes, razors, $200 and other equipment.

A total of 10 grams of meth were found in the home.

“I was not blown away by the find,” said Chief Hebert. “People need to know Erath is not immune to drugs.”

Chief Hebert said neighbors had no clue drug activity was occurring. He said his police force never suspected it, either.

Dugas and Suire had only been living in the home for about four months, said neighbors.

Another tip led to another arrest dealing with the sale of crystal meth the same day.

A few hours later, the Erath police went to 507 East Pearl Street and did a “no knock” raid. They located a small bag of meth along with money, scales and drug paraphernalia. Arrested was Dawn Robicheaux, who is from New Iberia.

“We had a good night,” said Chief Hebert. “I’m so proud of our officers. Everyone did their job.”

Erath officers helping with the drug busts were Landry, Jeff Vincent, Mitchell Pommier, Ryan Pommier, Anna LaPointe, Chad LaPointe, Trevor Landry, Lou Daniels and Chief Hebert.