OPERATION VIPER CONTINUES
According to Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, “The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit continues their fight against illegal Narcotics sold in St. Landry Parish. Furthering their investigation into the Laura T. Marler drug trafficking organization, the Narcotics Unit returned to Laura Marler’s residence located at 6402 Highway 31 in Opelousas to execute a search warrant. Laura Marler’s husband, David Marler, was present at the residence.”
While detectives were attempting to seize David Marler’s cell phone, he became combative and grabbed a detective’s wrist in an attempt to stop the detective from seizing the cellular phone.
During the search, detectives located and seized the following items:
- Cellular telephone;
- Laptop computer;
- $244.00 in US Currency;
- 15 THC oral dosage sprays;
- 12 THC vape cartridges;
- A glass jar containing a THC wax;
- 2 beige rocks believed to be “crack” cocaine;
- Bank Documents in David Marler’s name; and
- 3 weapons: a rifle, shotgun and pistol.
On May 16, 2023, David Marler was transported to the St. Landry Parish Jail and charged with possession with intent to distribute schedule I CDS (THC Cartridges), possession with intent to distribute a schedule I CDS (THC wax), illegal carrying of weapons in the presence of CDS (3 counts), possession of schedule II CDS (“crack” cocaine), battery of a police officer and transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses.
The estimated street value of the illegal narcotics located is valued at approximately $2,000.00. This investigation is still ongoing and further arrests are pending.
Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz added, “This investigation stretches far and wide, from St. Landry Parish, Louisiana to the state of California! All persons involved in this investigation will be held accountable! It is our hope that both federal law enforcement agencies, F.B.I. and the Drug Enforcement Administration agency will review our reports on this investigation and assist us in the stopping of this illegal drug coming into St. Landry Parish. The drugs and other materials seized by our agents are illegal in Louisiana. The argument that marijuana is legal in California is not and has never been legal in Louisiana, much less in St. Landry Parish!
I nor my narcotics agents are going to bow to political pressure or physical threats in continuation of this investigation!”
Anyone with information about illegal weapon or drug activity is encouraged to call the St. Landry Parish Sheriff Department’s hotline at 337-948-0970 or 948-1030. All callers and information are kept strictly confidential.
You may also call Crime Stoppers at 337-948-TIPS, download the P3 app on your mobile device or simply dial **TIPS on your mobile phone to tip. All calls are anonymous and you can earn a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.
On behalf of Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, this is Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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ARRESTED:
David Clarence Marler, age 59 – White / Male
6402 Highway 31
Opelousas, LA. 70570
CHARGES:
Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS (THC Cartridges)
Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS (THC Wax)
Illegal Carrying of Weapons; Crime or CDS (3 counts)
Possession of Schedule II CDS (“Crack” Cocaine)
Battery of a Police Officer
Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses
BOND: $62,500
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