LaPlace men caught in drug raid

Published 12:00 am Saturday, April 24, 2010

By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Two Laplace men accused of dealing drugs from a residence on Main Street were arrested Monday evening in a raid on the home, according to a release from the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Allen Zydallas, 37, of 3005 Main St. and Billy Martin, 29, of 504 Grand Coulee St. were taken into custody around 6 p.m. after authorities executed a search warrant on Zydallas’ home, said Capt. Dane Clement, public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office. Clement said the raid was the culmination of an ongoing narcotics investigation that began earlier in April.

“The investigation was prompted by citizen complaints of possible drug activity at the home,” Clement said.

According a report from the Sheriff’s Office, narcotics detectives recovered powder cocaine, marijuana, ecstacy and drug paraphernalia used for the sale of illegal drugs. The street value of the drugs recovered was believed to be about $3,000, Clement said.

While executing the search warrant, authoritites also found two toddlers related to Zydallas at the home. He said detectives have not determined the exact relation.

Zydallas was booked with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, cocaine and ecstacy, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of controlled dangerous substances while in the presence of juveniles. His bond was set Tuesday at $101,500.

Martin was booked with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled dangerous substance while in the presence of juveniles. His bond was set at $51,500.

As of press time both men remained in jail at the Sherman Walker Correctional Facility in LaPlace.

Bonds were set by District Court Judge Sterling Snowdy.