APSO nails 'major supplier'

Narcotics detectives  with the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office following a tip, struck the home of Joshua Benoit, 38, of Basile on December 27. 

Their  instincts led to the seizure of a methamphetamine lab, a large amount of methampetamine, several syringes containing meth which were ready for users to “shoot up,” assorted pills including Alprozolam, Roxicodone and codeine, a large amount of cash and boxes which were used to conceal drugs on the bottom of a vehicle while being transported, according to Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Keith Latiola. 

“This man supplied meth to a large part of Acadia Parish,” said Latiola. “It was particularly disturbing to find the needles which were loaded and ready to go.” 

Like other methamphetamine labs that have been seized in the area recently, Benoit’s was a crudely constructed device made with a Gatorade bottle, electrical tape and a small tube. These devices are extremely hazardous and have been known to explode if mishandled, Latiola explained.

Latiola and Deputy Jeff Stewart also showed the Post-Signal a stolen four-wheeler which was recovered during the bust. 

“Often times people steal property with the intention of trading it for meth,” said Latiola.

Benoit was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of Roxicodone, possession of Alprazolam, money laundering, intent to produce/manufacture methamphetamine, illegal possession of stolen property. 

His bond is set at $90,000 bond