St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrests Arabi man for distribution of marijuana, seize large amount of marijuana and handgun

An Arabi man was arrested March 16 and a large amount of marijuana and a handgun were recovered, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Troy Russell Jr., 24, of the 300 block of Bear Drive, was booked with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, convicted felon in possession of a firearm and resisting an officer.

On March 16, shortly after 10 p.m., Sheriff Pohlmann said, agents with the Special Investigations Division were patrolling the 2700 block of Maureen Lane in Meraux in response to tips they received from anonymous sources about some suspected illegal activity at a residence in area.

During the investigation, agents heard loud music and observed smoke from a fire coming from the backyard of a residence. When agents approached the residence, Sheriff Pohlmann said, they also noticed a strong aroma of marijuana emitting from the backyard.

A search warrant was obtained for the residence and agents recovered a duffel bag in the backyard containing just over 2 ounces of marijuana, and a .45 caliber Beretta handgun, along with prescription medication and paperwork belonging to Russell. During his arrest, Russell became combative with officers.

A criminal history check was conducted on Russell which revealed he is a fugitive wanted out of the New Orleans Sheriff’s Office for controlled dangerous substance violations and out of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office for probation and parole violations. It was further revealed that Russell is a convicted felon for drug law violations.

Russell was transported to St. Bernard Parish Prison where he is being held in lieu of a $30,000 bond.