A months-long narcotics investigation culminated in the arrest of a Mansfield man and the seizure of a significant quantity of methamphetamine during a traffic stop on Jan. 31.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, in coordination with the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, concluded an eight-month investigation into Odell Malone III, 56, who was suspected of distributing methamphetamine in and around DeSoto Parish.

On the afternoon of Jan. 31, narcotics agents from DeSoto and Sabine Parish, along with the DeSoto Special Investigations Unit (SLIU) and DeSoto K9, conducted a traffic stop on Malone’s vehicle near Highway 175 and 346 in Oxford. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of over six ounces of methamphetamine and a large sum of U.S. currency. Agents also found a juvenile under the age of 17 inside the vehicle at the time of the stop.

Malone already had an outstanding DeSoto Parish narcotics warrant for six counts of Distribution of Schedule II (Meth) and two counts of Cruelty to Juveniles. During the investigation, authorities observed a juvenile accompanying Malone during suspected drug transactions. In total, agents seized approximately half a pound of meth.

Following Malone’s arrest, DeSoto Narcotics Agents, SWAT, K9 units, and the Tri-Parish Task Force (Sabine Sheriff’s Office) executed a search warrant at a residence on Grove Street in Mansfield, believed to be linked to Malone. Inside the home, agents discovered drug paraphernalia, further supporting the drug distribution allegations.

Malone was booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center on the following charges:

Six counts of Distribution of Schedule II (Meth) (existing warrant)
Two counts of Cruelty to Juveniles (existing warrant)
Distribution or Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II (Meth)
One additional count of Cruelty to Juveniles
Vehicle Required Headlamps violation
Child Restraint Required violation

Authorities continue to emphasize the dangers of narcotics distribution and the impact it has on local communities. The successful operation underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to keeping drugs off the streets and protecting the welfare of children.