Investigation ends in drug arrests

A nearly 18-month long investigation that began with an inquiry into two people resulted in the arrest of five on various drug charges.

Webster Parish Sheriff’s narcotics agents and Louisiana State Police investigators arrested Bobby G. Smith, 60, of the 9000 block of Highway 80 in Minden, for three counts of distribution of Schedule II CDS, possession of Schedule II CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $155,700.

Pamela Smith Carden, 58, of the 9000 block of Highway 80 in Minden, was arrested for three counts of distribution of a Schedule II CDS, possession of a Schedule I CDS, possession of a Schedule II CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $66,700.

James D. Rine, 41, of the

6000 block of Highway 371 in Heflin, was arrested for possession of a Schedule II CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $6,100.

Pamela D. Doyle, of the 1600 block of Franklin Road in Heflin, was arrested for possession of Schedule II CDS (methamphetamine). Bond was set at $5,000.

Charles Joyner, 67, of the 15,000 block of Highway 79 in Minden, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $700.

All were arrested Friday, March 18.

WPSO narcotics agents say these arrests are the culmination of a year to a year and a half long investigation, in conjunction with state police that began with undercover buys from Smith and Carden. WPSO narcotics agents and LSP investigators worked together to obtain warrants on Smith and Carden, deputies said.

Agents discovered Joyner and Doyle at Carden’s Highway 80 residence. During a search of the residence, a glass pipe commonly associated with smoking methamphetamine was discovered underneath Joyner in a bedroom. Two additional pipes were located in that same bedroom. Doyle was arrested following a search of the house, in which agents discovered a baggie containing what appeared to be methamphetamine.

Carden was arrested on the three counts of distribution, and following the execution of the search warrant, what appeared to be a marijuana cigarette was found on the bed inside a bedroom. Also discovered were glass pipes commonly associated with smoking methamphetamine, plastic baggies containing suspected methamphetamine, digital scales and plastic straws agents believed to be for the use of methamphetamine.

Later that day, state police assisted WPSO in serving arrest warrants for Smith at Rine’s Highway 371 residence. Agents and troopers went to Rine’s residence to arrest Smith, and during the execution of the warrants, they conducted a safety sweep. In plain view, they discovered what appeared to be narcotics paraphernalia in the bathroom of the residence.

Rine gave written consent to search the residence, deputies say, and a further search revealed a baggie of suspected methamphetamine and numerous glass pipes.

Rine was also placed under arrest.

All five were transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center for booking.