Second arrest made in alleged conspiracy to smuggle drugs into St. Landry Parish jail

OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) — A second arrest has been made in an alleged conspiracy to smuggle drugs into the St. Landry Parish jail that involved a corrections deputy, authorities said.

Nicklous Thomas, 37, of Eunice, is charged with criminal conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal facility, distribution of Schedule I drugs, distribution of Schedule III drugs and distribution of Schedule IV drugs.

Thomas, described by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office as “a significant narcotics dealer,” was arrested with over $12,000 cash in his possession. Officials said a search warrant uncovered illegal narcotics at the home.

Previously, Corrections Deputy Timothy Lazare, 36, of Opelousas was charged with two counts of malfeasance in office, and one count each of criminal conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal facility and introducing contraband into a penal facility in connection with this case.