Three arrested in Opelousas drug bust after citizen complaints, sheriff says

Scott Yoshonis
·2 min read
Three arrested in Opelousas drug bust after citizen complaints, sheriff says

OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) — Complaints by neighbors led to a major drug bust at a known drug house in Opelousas, according to St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz.

Detectives arrested three men, including the homeowner of the residence at 368 Pavy Road in Opelousas.

Those arrested were:

  • Lionel Brown, 66, of Opelousas is charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics (2 counts), possession of Schedule II narcotics, illegal carrying of weapons, manufacturing Schedule II narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia.

  • Shawn Frederick Murphy, 53, of Opelousas is charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics (2 counts), possession of Schedule II narcotics, manufacturing Schedule II narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia.

  • John Albert Manuel, 53, of Opelousas is charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics (2 counts), possession of Schedule II narcotics, manufacturing Schedule II narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia.

“During the last couple of months, narcotics detectives with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office have been receiving numerous citizen complaints regarding illegal drug activity occurring at 368 Pavy Road,” Guidroz said. “Narcotics detectives were familiar with the residence due to a previously executed narcotics search warrant in May 2023.”

After conducting several weeks of surveillance, detectives went to the residence Tuesday and spoke to the homeowner, who was identified as Lionel Brown, officials said. During the encounter with Brown, detectives said they were able to obtain a search warrant for the residence. The residence was then frozen from further activity, and two additional suspects were arrested, Guidroz said.

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Upon executing the search, detectives located a fourth suspect hiding under a large pile of clothes, who was identified as Manuel, a known drug trafficker who had several outstanding bench warrants, authorities said.

During the search, detectives located approximately 388 grams of powder cocaine, approximately 96 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 2 grams of crystal methamphetamine, one semi-automatic pistol, and $439 in cash. The drugs have a combined street value of approximately $48,000, authorities said.

Manuel, Brown, and Murphy were taken to the St. Landry Parish Jail and charged as above. Bond was set at $105,500 for Manuel and Murphy, $108,000 for Brown.

A fourth person in the residence was questioned and released at the scene.

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Anyone with information about illegal drug activity is encouraged to call the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Hotline at 337-948-0970 or 948-1030. All callers remain anonymous and the information is kept strictly confidential.

You may also call Crime Stoppers at 337-948-TIPS, download the P3 app on your mobile device or simply dial **TIPS on your mobile phone to tip. All calls are anonymous and you can earn a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.

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