St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrest two cousins for distribution of marijuana, recover stolen handgun following traffic stop

Two cousins were arrested June 14 in Arabi and marijuana and a stolen handgun were recovered after a deputy conducted a traffic violation stop, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Herbert Cooper, 22, of the 1300 block of Westlawn Drive in Slidell, was booked with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and failure to use a turn signal.

Harold Cooper, 22, of the 1500 block of Paula Street in New Orleans, was booked with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On June 14 at approximately 3:30 p.m., Sheriff Pohlmann said, agents with the Special Investigations Division conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle after it switched lanes without signaling and hit the median while traveling on Judge Perez Drive in Arabi.

During the traffic stop, agents noticed a strong aroma of marijuana emitting from inside the vehicle. Following a search of the vehicle, agents recovered approximately 1.4 grams of marijuana, several clear plastic bags containing cannabis-infused edible foods, a digital scale, clear plastic baggies and clear plastic wrap.

A Glock 19 .9mm handgun listed by the St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office as stolen also was recovered, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

A criminal history check was conducted on both subjects which revealed Harold Cooper was wanted on outstanding warrant out of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and another warrant out of New Orleans Police Department for domestic assault and battery.

The check also revealed both subjects have prior convictions for narcotics and firearms violations with guilty pleas.

Both subjects were transported to St. Bernard Parish Prison to be booked. Herbert Cooper is being held on $90,600 bond, and Harold Cooper’s bond has been set at $90,500.