The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force has been actively working in the Franklinton area to curtail the trafficking of illegal drugs. Part of that investigation resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs and a weapon. As the investigation continues, four Franklinton area residents have been arrested, according to Chief Deputy Mike Haley of the WPSO.

Haley said that the drugs and pistol were seized on Thursday, March 28, during the execution of a search warrant at a Franklinton residence. Officers from the Drug Task Force and the Franklinton Police Department seized 56.5 grams of cocaine, 25.5 grams of heroin, 5 grams of crack cocaine, $2,300 dollars and a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic pistol.

Haley said that the resident of the house, Andra Tate, 37, was not present during the search. He was being sought for arrest on six outstanding felony warrants related to the illegal drug trade. It was believed that Tate, also known as “Thump,” might have been hiding out in the Slidell area.

Tate was booked into the Washington Parish Jail on Thursday. He is charged with convicted felon in possession of firearm, possession with intent to distribute Schedule I drugs, two counts of distribution of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, two counts of possession of Schedule II drugs, and possession of Schedule IV drugs.

Haley said that Tate has two previous stays in the Washington Parish Jail. In 2006, he was arrested for possession with intent to distribute illegal drugs. In 2008, he was arrested for battery domestic violence.

Drug Task Force officers arrested three other men on Tuesday on various drug charges, Haley said.

Larry O’Neal Cotton, 52, a resident of Delta Lane near Franklinton, remains in jail with his bond set at $201,000. Cotton is charged with two counts of distribution of Schedule II narcotics and contempt of court.

Cotton is no stranger to the Washington Parish Jail, having been arrested five additional times since 2006 on a variety of narcotics and other charges, Haley said.

Derick Gatlin, 60, a resident of 13th Avenue in Franklinton, remains in jail with his bond set at $125,000. Gatlin is charged with two counts of distribution of Schedule II narcotics. Jail records indicate this is Gatlin’s first stay in the Washington Parish Jail.

Torrance Brandon Partman, 38, a resident of Old Columbia Road near Franklinton, remains in jail with his bond set at $100,250. Partman is charged with distribution of Schedule I narcotics and speeding in a school zone.

Haley said that Partman also is no stranger to the Washington Parish Jail, having been arrested five additional times since 2006 on a variety of narcotics and firearm charges.

The investigation into the illegal drug trade continues and more arrests are possible. Meanwhile, any person having knowledge of the location of Andra Tate, also known as “Thump,” is encouraged to notify the WPSO at 985-839-3434. Callers may remain anonymous.

Sheriff Randy Seal commented on the arrests and investigation.

“I commend our Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force for a job well done,” Seal said. “Their continued work, with assistance from the Franklinton Police Department, is helping to rid our streets of drug dealers.