Traffic stop leads to $679K marijuana bust in Rapides Parish

RAPIDES PARISH, La. ( WNTZ ) – A traffic stop on June 13, led to the discovery of approximately 150 pounds of high-grade marijuana valued at $679,000, according to the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit.

A K-9 deputy with the RADE Unit’s Highway Interdiction Team initiated the stop on a red Toyota Tacoma for a minor traffic violation. Upon approaching the vehicle, the deputy detected the odor of marijuana. The driver, identified as John Michael Grezik, 37, of Florida, was asked to exit the vehicle for further investigation.

The deputy deployed his drug detection K-9, Beny, who alerted to the presence of narcotics in the truck bed. With Grezik’s consent, the deputy lifted the bed cover, revealing six large black trash bags. A physical inspection found that each bag contained vacuum-sealed packages of high-grade marijuana.

Grezik was arrested without incident and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center on charges of following too closely, having an open container, and possession of a Schedule I controlled substance (marijuana) with intent to distribute. He was released on June 15, on a $150,200 bond.

RADE agents responded to assist with the investigation and confirmed the marijuana’s weight and estimated retail value.

The RADE Unit is a multi-jurisdictional task force comprising the Alexandria Police Department, Ball Police Department, Boyce Police Department, Cheneyville Police Department, Forest Hill Police Department, Glenmora Police Department, Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lecompte Police Department, McNary Police Department, Pineville Police Department, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Woodworth Police Department, Grant Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office.

The unit remains committed to targeting individuals suspected of trafficking narcotics in Central Louisiana.

If you have information or would like to report any narcotics activity, you may do so by sending direct messages to the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RADEunit/ .

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter .

Latest Posts

• Man wanted in connection with 4 homicides across 2 states on the run
• Will you be getting mail on Juneteenth?
• Windy conditions, coastal flooding continue as Alberto heads toward Mexico
• Legend Bobby Rush talks longevity and the blues
• Bipartisan group of senators target deepfakes

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.