Rayville police make drug arrests

Rayville Police made two drug arrests this week.

Officer LaToya Gray initiated a traffic stop July 26 at the corner of Louisiana and Rosa streets. Officer Shannon Mosely, Sgt. Czyz Williams and Investigator Jerry Davis assisted in the arrest.

Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson said the driver, identified as John Sanderson, 30, of 617 Lenard Loop Road, West Monroe,  was acting suspicious and appeared to be intoxicated with drugs when officers made contact.

Sanderson gave permission to search his vehicles and the officers located a small clear plastic sack containing a green, leafy substance in the driver side door console. Sgt. Williams located a clear alcohol bottle containing a pink liquid.

Sanderson was charged with possession of synthetic marijuana and open container.

Chief Robinson commended all four officers for their handling of this case.

“Thanks to Officer Gray’s diligence in monitoring traffic, we were able to take some illegal drugs off the street,” the chief said. 

He also advised persons intent on being involved in drug activity they should be aware he and his officers will find them and put a stop to their activity.

“We have a zero tolerance policy for drug activity or any other crime that endangers the safety of our citizens.”

Chief Robinson would also like to commend Williams and Officer Austin Self for the hard work they have done.

The two officers initiated a traffic stop on Louisa Street on July 29 after observing a man staggering in the middle of the road.

Robinson said the man, later identified as Bobby Lawson, 48, of 66 Sugar Hill Road, Rayville, could barely stand. Self then observed a small, clear plastic bag sticking out of his pocket. After searching Lawson, officers found a green leafy substance suspected of being synthetic marijuana in Lawson’s right front pocket.

He was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance Schedule I and obstruction of a highway.