Two arrested for narcotics and firearms violations

In a press release, Picayune Police Assistant Chief Dustin Moeller provided details of the arrest of two men on narcotics and firearms violations.

Moeller said that on June 29, 2020 at approximately 9:08 p.m., a patrol officer conducted a traffic stop on a blue Nissan Versa on the I-59 exit 6 northbound ramp for driving southbound in a northbound lane. Upon arriving at the Nissan Versa, Moeller stated that the patrol officer made contact with the driver, later identified as Tyrese Deshawn Batiste, age 18, of Covington, LA and the passenger, later identified as Griffin Willie Batiste, age 19, of Baton Rouge, LA.

Tyrese Deshawn Batiste and Griffin Willie Batiste

Upon speaking with the two men, the patrol officer smelled a strong odor, believed to be marijuana, emitting from inside the vehicle. At this, Picayune Police Narcotics detectives arrived a the scene to assist the patrol officer with a search of the vehicle.

Moeller stated that upon conducting a search of the vehicle, the officer and detectives located several clear plastic bags containing a green leafy substance that was believed to be hydroponice marijuana, a set of scales (commonly used to weigh narcotics), clear plastic bags, multiple fully loaded Glock handguns, counterfeit U.S. currency, and a large amount of U.S. currency. Detectives were able to confirm that the handguns were stolen.

Both subjects were placed under arrest for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute while in Possession of a Firearm and two counts of Possession of a Stolen Firearm according to Moeller. The subjects were transported to the Picayune Criminal Justice Center where they were booked and incarcerated on the said charges.

The U.S. currency was seized during the investigation due to its close proximity to the illegal narcotics according to Moeller.