A traffic stop resulted in STPSO detectives uncovering a crack cocaine manufacturing operation at a Mandeville-area residence.
Just after 8 p.m. Saturday (Feb 1) evening, detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Proactive Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop in the 69000 block of Highway 59 in Mandeville after observing a black Ford Raptor veer out of its lane of travel.
The driver was identified 55-year-old Raymond Matos of Mandeville.
While conducting the traffic stop, detectives located approximately 1.5 grams of suspected crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, $3,102 and an expired Louisiana driver’s license inside the vehicle.
Detectives then relocated to Matos’ residence in the 22000 block of Hoffman Road near Mandeville. With the assistance of K-9 Axle, detectives searched the home and located approximately 268 grams of suspected cocaine (over half a pound); approximately 4 grams of crack cocaine; one schedule II prescription pill; drug paraphernalia including scales, scouring pads, glass pipes and packaging material; and $9,000. Also located at the residence were items Matos used in his “home operation” to manufacture crack cocaine such as measuring cups, baking soda and a microwave.
Matos was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center.
