Avoyelles Parish man arrested with illegal narcotics in vehicle

MANSURA, La. (WNTZ) – A Cottonport man was arrested during a late-night traffic stop earlier this month after deputies with the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office discovered illegal narcotics in his vehicle and on his person.

According to APSO, at approximately 12:15 a.m. on Sunday, June 15, a sergeant assigned to a criminal patrol detail conducted a stop on a white Buick sedan in the Mansura area for a traffic violation. The driver was identified as Joseph Handon Wells, 34, of Cottonport.

Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies reported detecting a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside. A subsequent search revealed several pills identified as Alprazolam—commonly known by the brand name Xanax—as well as a bottle containing Promethazine Syrup, a Schedule V controlled substance.

Wells was taken into custody without incident and transported to Detention Center #1 for booking. During the booking process, deputies found additional pills and a small bag of marijuana hidden in Wells’ underwear.

He was booked on the following charges:

• Possession of Schedule I (Marijuana)
• Possession of Schedule IV (Alprazolam)
• Possession of Schedule V (Promethazine Syrup)
• Introduction of Contraband into a Penal Facility
• Traffic Violations

Wells was later released on a property bond of $15,500, authorities said.

Anyone with information about local drug activity is encouraged to contact the APSO Criminal Investigations Division at (318) 253-4000. Anonymous tips are welcome.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.