NATCHITOCHES, La. (WNTZ) — A Natchitoches man was arrested Thursday on multiple felony drug and weapon charges after an operation by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Impact Team aimed at reducing criminal activity in the area, according to Sheriff Stuart Wright.

Deputies stopped a 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe at approximately 3:55 p.m. on April 24 on Louisiana Highway 494 near the Natchitoches city limits for a traffic violation. Authorities identified the driver as John Collins Coutee, 43, of Natchitoches.

While speaking with Coutee, deputies detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and discovered through a law enforcement database that Coutee’s driver’s license was suspended. Deputies also located a firearm inside the vehicle, which was retrieved for officer safety.

A subsequent probable cause search led to the seizure of several individually packaged baggies containing approximately 43.7 grams of suspected marijuana, a Doritos chip bag containing about 600 milligrams of THC in counterfeit chips, two unidentified pills, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded Hi-Point 9mm semi-automatic handgun.

Coutee was arrested without incident and transported to the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center. He was booked on charges of possession of a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance (marijuana) with intent to distribute, illegal possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Deputies said Coutee claimed ownership of the seized items.

The evidence has been submitted to the crime lab for further analysis.

The NPSO Impact Team, which includes members from the criminal investigations bureau, patrol bureau, and drug enforcement unit, remains committed to combating narcotics activity, gun violence, and property crime throughout the parish.

Anyone with information about illegal activity is encouraged to contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 357-7851 or report tips anonymously to the NPSO Drug Enforcement tip-line at (318) 238-8477.