VILLE PLATTE, La. (KLFY) — Two people were arrested in Ville Platte in April after what started as a traffic violation turned into a drug bust, authorities said.

Lionel Ardoin, 38, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, resisting arrest with force or violence, obstruction of justice and obstruction of public passage.

Yvonne Savoy, 39, is charged with obstruction of justice, interfering with a law enforcement investigation and criminal conspiracy.

The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotics agents observed a vehicle parked on Soileau Street April 17 in the middle of the road facing the opposite lane of travel, obstructing the roadway, officials said. Upon conducting a license plate check, agents made contact with Ardoin, who Evangeline Parish authorities described as “a known narcotic distributor within the community of Ville Platte.”

Ardoin attempted to get into the vehicle to move it from the roadway when the agents instructed Ardoin not to get in the truck and move to the front of the vehicle.

Agents advised Ardoin to place his hands on the truck. Ardoin was observed taking belongings out of his pocket and placing them on the hood of his vehicle, authorities said, including a digital scale, wallet, cell phone and cash.

Ardoin was advised to place his hands on the hood of the vehicle, when he allegedly said he had cocaine in his possession while simultaneously pushing himself off the vehicle in an attempt to flee from agents.

Officials said agents grabbed Ardoin as he attempted to discard narcotics by throwing them away from his person. Located approximately five feet from the altercation and next to the rear tire of the police vehicle was a tied plastic bag containing 29.50 grams of cocaine, authorities said.

Savoy, whom officials described as Ardoin’s “significant other,” then exited a nearby residence, screaming and running towards the agents. Savoy allegedly moved closer to agents, yelling that the agents were harassing Ardoin.

Savoy was informed not to interfere with agents and instructed to step back from agents numerous times, but did not comply, authorities said.

Bond details were not released.

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