The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Enforcement team (N.E.T.) have conducted separate operations that have resulted in the seizure of many thousands of dollars worth of dangerous drugs as well as a pistol sized AK-47 rifle and a 9MM pistol.

Although dates and some names have been withheld due to ongoing undercover operations, N.E.T. detectives have confirmed that a 9MM pistol and 5 ounces of “crystal meth”… valued at $17,000 dollars on the street… was seized from 42 year old Daniel P. Guillotte, of New Iberia. That’s enough crystal meth to ruin many lives, destroy many families, and cost taxpayers untold dollars for taking care of those who survive. So-called “shake-and-bake” meth is produced by combining raw, unstable ingredients in a 2-liter soda bottle.

But if the person mixing the noxious brew makes the slightest error, such as removing the cap too soon or accidentally perforating the plastic, the concoction can explode, searing flesh and causing permanent disfigurement, blindness or even death.

An Associated Press survey of key hospitals in the nation’s most active meth states showed that up to a third of patients in some burn units were hurt while making meth, and most were uninsured. The average treatment costs $6,000 per day. And the average meth patient’s hospital stay costs $130,000… 60% more than other burn patients, according to U.S. Government studies. Guillotte is currently being held on a $21,500 bond, pending trial.

During another N.E.T. undercover operation, 22 year old Alex Ridout, of Eunice, was found to be in possession of large quantities of various types of “steroids”. The illegal distribution of performance enhancing drugs is a dangerous business.  A study by the National Institute of Drug Abuse states that the abuse of anabolic steroids may lead to aggression and other psychiatric problems. Extreme mood swings can also occur, including manic-like symptoms and anger, sometimes called “roid rage” that may lead to violence.

Researchers have also observed that users may suffer from paranoid jealousy, extreme irritability, delusions, and impaired judgment stemming from feelings of invincibility. The steroids seized from Alex Ridout were packaged and intended for sale to various customers. The investigation is ongoing. Ridout has been released on a $27,000 dollar bond, pending trial.

In still another N.E.T. operation, a pistol sized 308 caliber AK-47 type rifle was seized. These narcotics ops are reflective of the kind of ongoing work performed every day by St. Landry Parish Narcotics Detectives.

Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz stated… “Illegal drugs have taken a toll on so many lives in our country. As a State Trooper for 30 years and Sheriff for a decade, I have personally felt the anguish of parents who have lost children to drugs, wives who have lost husbands, and children who have found themselves lost, having no choice but to grow up in homes immersed in the horrible world of drug addiction. Our narcotics detectives are the best in the business. At all hours of the day and night, they’re out there… watching, waiting and preparing to strike. If you’re a drug dealer in St. Landry Parish, the day will come, when the N.E.T. closes around you.”