Heroin, Crack Cocaine, Stolen Handgun seized in arrest

St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said a man living in Chalmette was arrested and a large amount of heroin and crack cocaine was seized, along with a stolen handgun, during a special joint investigation between the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Orleans Police Department.

In the early morning hours of April 18, Sheriff Pohlmann said, members of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and Special Investigations Division, in cooperation with the DEA and NOPD, executed a search warrant at a home in the 400 block of East Liberaux Street in Chalmette.

Sheriff Pohlmann said the investigation resulted in the arrest of Chris Wells, 33, and the seizure of a total of 3 ounces of heroin, with a total street value of $8,340, with one of the bags containing 107 dosage units of heroin, with a street value of $5,350.

In addition, agents recovered a total of 45.3 grams of crack cocaine, with a total street value of $9,060, with one bag containing 40 individual dosage units of crack cocaine, with a street value of $800.

A 9mm semi automatic handgun reported stolen out of Texas also was seized in the investigation.

Wells was booked with possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, possession of heroin over 28 grams but less than 200 grams, possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute, possession of crack cocaine over 28 grams but less than 200 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a stolen firearm, and parole violation.

Wells, who is currently on parole for distribution of marijuana and heroin, has an outstanding warrant out of New Orleans for distribution of heroin. He was transported to Orleans Parish Prison to be booked.

Ashli Martin, a 32-year-old female, also was arrested in connection with the investigation.

Martin was booked with possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, possession of heroin over 28 grams but less than 200 grams, possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute, possession of crack cocaine over 28 grams but less than 200 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Martin was transported to St. Bernard Parish Prison to be booked. Her bond has not yet been set.