A Washington Parish man was arrested Wednesday night on drug charges, after his vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation, according to Chief Deputy Mike Haley of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

While patrolling on Louisiana Highway 430 on Wednesday night, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputy Jay Dupre observed a vehicle swerve into the oncoming lane of traffic and proceed southbound driving on the wrong side of the road, Haley said. Dupre initiated a traffic stop on Deonta Lamar Lee, 32, a resident of Hayes Creek Road.

After exiting his patrol unit and approaching Lee’s vehicle, Dupre observed narcotics displayed openly in the center console, Haley said. Dupre also observed a large amount of currency strewn in Lee’s lap, the center console and the passenger seat. Lee was removed from his vehicle and placed under arrest.

Haley said that a further search of Lee’s vehicle revealed a quantity of heroin that had been concealed in an open soft drink can. Also discovered were three boxes of plastic baggies and a digital scale that is generally used to weigh drugs for sale, Haley said.

Seized from Lee was 23.25 grams of heroin, $468 cash and a quantity of Suboxone that was not prescribed for Lee.

Haley said that Lee has been in the Washington Parish Jail one previous time. In February 2017, he was arrested for driving while intoxicated and failure to appear in court. He was released after posting a $2,550 bond.

Lee was transported to the Washington Parish Jail and booked on five outstanding warrants for contempt of court, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of schedule 3 drugs, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, obstruction of justice and improper lane usage. As of Thursday afternoon, he remained in jail with his bond set at $36,100.

“Another good arrest and more drugs taken out of circulation,” Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “Good work, Deputy Dupre!”