It was a busy Saturday for detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Narcotics Division.
Search warrants were executed at two Slidell-area residences in connection with separate investigations both after concerned citizens called in with anonymous tips. These searches resulted in the arrest of six individuals, warrants being issued for two more, and the seizure of an assortment of illegal drugs and two firearms, one of which had been reported stolen.
At approximately 10:30 a.m. Saturday, detectives with the STPSO Narcotics Division were investigating a complaint of drug activity at a residence in the 37000 block of West Hilcrest Drive in Slidell when they came into contact with James Boston, Craig Hamilton, Joshua Gayles and a juvenile. During the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for the property and located 74.34 grams of suspected crack cocaine, approximately 1,031 dosage units (140.15 grams) of suspected counterfeit oxycodone pills, one suboxone sublingual film, one firearm and an assortment of drug paraphernalia. During the investigation, detectives learned all three subjects were convicted felons and the firearm had been reported stolen out of Orleans Parish. They were arrested and the juvenile was placed in the custody of a family member.
While that investigation was going on, detectives with the STPSO Narcotics Division’s Proactive Enforcement Unit responded to a residence on Nuevo Street in Slidell after receiving a complaint of drug activity at that location. Upon arrival, detectives came in contact with Anthony Melerine Jr., Gabrielle Melerine, Kelsey Melerine, Cynthia White and Tyler Parker. During their investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and located suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, suboxone, marijuana, an abundance of drug paraphernalia and a semi-automatic handgun. All of them were arrested and face numerous drug charges.
Sheriff Smith is asking anyone with information about narcotics, or other crimes, to submit a tip utilizing the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office website (www.stpso.com), by calling the narcotics tip line (1-888-GO-2-JAIL), or by calling Crimestoppers. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
