Photos: Police seize $35K worth of suspected meth in one of the largest drug busts in Parish history

DISCLAIMER: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)

– What began as a routine traffic stop turned into one of the largest meth seizures in parish history, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

According to a press release from the Sheriff’s office, on September 15, 2025, the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) deputies conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle said to have illegal window tint.

The driver, Steven Sykes of Natchitoches, LA, was allegedly found to have an active arrest warrant for distribution of CDS II (methamphetamine) issued by the 10th Judicial District Court, one of Louisiana’s 43 judicial districts.

Department K9 Roka was sent to sniff the car and alerted positively for suspected drugs.

After a search, deputies allegedly found about 4 pounds 8 ounces of suspected methamphetamine.

Following the stop, investigators say they also secured a search warrant for a home in the 800 block of Texas Street, Natchitoches, La., based on Sykes’ history of narcotics distribution in the parish.

During the warrant search, deputies say they found one bag containing multiple smaller bags of crushed ecstasy, two scales with suspected meth residue, a bag containing approximately 1 pound 9 ounces of meth, and two large circular balls of meth weighing approximately 2 pounds 4 ounces each, all located within the structure.

In total, approximately 10 pounds 9 ounces of suspected meth were seized, with an estimated street value of about $35,000 when divided into smaller units.

Steven Sykes was arrested on multiple charges, including.

• 40:967.A Schedule II Manufacture/ Sale (arrest warrant).
• 40:967.A Schedule II Manufacture/ Sale.
• 40:967.A Schedule II Manufacture/ Sale.
• 0:966.A Schedule I Manufacture/ Sale (felony)
• 40:1023.C Possession of Drug paraphernalia.
• 32:361.1 Window Tint.
• 32:79 Roadway lanes for traffic.

Sykes is being held at the LaSalle Correctional Facility.

Sheriff Stuart Wright said this operation demonstrates the department’s ongoing effort to utilize investigative technology and coordinated law enforcement actions to enhance public safety and community welfare.

If you observe suspicious activity in your community, you can contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-357-7851.