Drug bust in Charenton

The Chitimacha Tribal Police Department executed a search warrant on Oneida Street in Charenton on Monday and during the search, Tribal Police Officers reportedly observed a fully-functioning hydroponic marijuana grow operation on the premises.
Inside the grow house were numerous fully grown marijuana plants. Officers also reportedly observed and seized large amounts of already processed marijuana which was stored in mason jars and zip lock bags. Officers allegedly located and seized three different weapons during the search. Two of the weapons: an AR-style rifle and a 9mm pistol were in close proximity to the grow room and a semi auto handgun was seized from a nearby location.
As a result of the search, Nicholas J. Butaud was charged with one count of production of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, two counts of child neglect and 58 counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. Butaud was transported to the parish jail.
Chitimacha Tribal Police said Cajun Coast Search and Rescue assisted in the operation with their K-9 unit during the investigation.
The Chitimacha Tribal Police report that they will continue a zero tolerance for any drug violations and the investigation is on-going. If anyone has any information for this case or any other case, they may call the police department at 337 923-4964, or they may go to the police department’s website and email address (reportit@chitimacha.gov) or call the Silent Witness program (337-923-4205) and leave a tip or any information anonymously.