By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Sheriff’s deputies in two of the River Parishes made a pair of arrests this week in unrelated drug investigations.

In St. John the Baptist Parish, an investigation into possible illegal drug activity at a LaPlace residence led to the arrest of a LaPlace man in possession of heroin, marijuana and other drug paraphernalia.

Danearl Brown, 38, was arrested Monday after narcotics detectives executed a search and seizure warrant at his home in the 600 block of Revere Drive, said Capt. Dane Clement, spokesman for the St. John Sheriff’s Office. Clement said detectives had received information about drug activity at the home but would not elaborate.

Once inside the home, detectives recovered several “bindles,” or small doses, of heroin along with a small amount of marijuana, other drug paraphernalia and a stolen Louisiana license plate. Clement said there were also three juveniles inside the home when authorities executed the warrant.

Brown was booked with possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of juveniles and possession of stolen things. He is being held at the Sherman Walker Correctional facility in LaPlace on a $79,000 bond.

Meanwhile in St. Charles Parish, deputies arrested a Norco man Wednesday who was allegedly operating a drug lab near his home.

Michael Thompson, 35, of 324 Barreca St., Norco, was arrested after being found in possession of jewelry that had been reported stolen in a recent residential burglary, said Capt. Pat Yoes, spokesman for the St. Charles Sheriff’s Office. During the arrest, deputies searched his home and located a makeshift drug lab in a shed in the rear of the yard.

Thompson was booked with manufacture of methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, creation or operation of a clandestine lab, possession of marijuana and possession of stolen property. He is being held at the Nelson Coleman Correctional Facility in Hahnville.