Sheriff’s Office nets 50 marijuana plants after Verdunville drug bust

Deputies with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office made a sizeable drug bust last weekend, seizing over 50 marijuana plants among other items from a growing operation in Verdunville.
Charles Adams, Jr., 64, of 1291 Prairie Road Cr., Verdunville, was arrested Sunday at 9:35 p.m. and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, cultivation of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm in presence of a controlled dangerous substance and engaging in transactions involving drug proceeds.
Deputies conducting a follow up investigation at the Verdunville residence detected the strong odor of marijuana. Deputies received consent to search a bedroom belonging to Adams where they detected the presence of narcotics.
Adams admitted to deputies that he had marijuana in the room. Deputies located multiple containers of marijuana and a handgun along with several items of drug paraphernalia, including a scale, pipes, small plastic bags and rolling papers.
Deputies also found $800 in cash they suspected of being the proceeds from illegal drug sales. Deputies received consent to search a shed on the property where deputies initially made contact with Adams and located a large marijuana growing operation.
Among the components of the operation were 53 live marijuana plants, lights, fans and drying racks used in the cultivation of marijuana. Deputies also located loose marijuana and marijuana plant clippings in another room in the shed. Adams was transported to the parish jail for booking. No bail was set.