A Saturday investigation by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries into the alleged illegal hunting activities of a Minden man led to a serious drug arrest by LDWF agents and Webster Parish Sheriff’s investigators.

 

Tommy Ray Butler, 26, was arrested and charged by LDWF with illegal carrying of weapons, possession of a CDS Schedule IV (Xanax), possession of a CDS Schedule II (meth), possession of a CDS Schedule III (steroids) and possession of drug paraphernalia, as well as additional charges given by WPSO for possession of a CDS Schedule III with intent (anabolic steroid), attempted possession of a CDS Schedule III (steroids), and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

 

Butler was contacted by LAWF agents midday Saturday in reference to complaints made about potential illegal hunting practices. Upon search of Butler’s property, agents discovered several illegally possessed items including drugs and a gun.

 

Butler, according to Sheriff’s investigator Sgt. Scott Tucker, has been arrested three times in the last year for similar activities—all resulting in felony drug charges. “Because he was still on probation, he isn’t allowed to have a weapon,” explained Tucker. “When [LAWF] agents searched further they found the drugs in his vehicle along with a computer generated printout indicating that illegal online purchases of drugs may have been made by Butler. That’s when they called us in to assist.”

 

Webster Parish Sheriff’s investigators then interviewed Butler about the possible online drug activity. Following an admission of such illegal purchases from foreign online anabolic steroids Tucker thought it wise to obtain a search warrant for Butler’s home.

 

“Some of the computer evidence suggested that the drugs were delivered to his home,” said Tucker. “A search would ensure we would find them if they were there.”

 

The search conducted by Webster investigators, LAWF agents and officers from Minden Police Department was a successful one. Twelve vials of CDS Schedule III anabolic steroids were discovered and seized along with needles, glass pipes and two computers used in the drug transactions.

 

“This quantity of drugs would have had a significant impact in the public,” said Tucker. “I’m glad we removed them from the streets; because this has to stop.”

 

During the search agents also found the carcasses of wildlife suspected to be illegally obtained, and following further investigation of the two seized computers investigators expect that more charges may follow.

 

“We have to commend the Wildlife and Fishery agents,” said Sheriff Gary Sexton. “They looked past the surface into a case that resulted in a very good arrest.”