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Authorities in St. James Parish have issued an arrest warrant for a 42-year-old Paulina man after a traffic stop led detectives to uncover a large cache of illegal narcotics, multiple firearms, and a suspected drug lab at his residence, according to the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Manndarryl C. Walters Sr. is wanted on over two dozen charges after fleeing a traffic stop Thursday on Highway 44 near Levy Gaudet Street in Lutcher. Currently serving a probated sentence for prior drug convictions, Walters allegedly discarded several plastic bags before abandoning his vehicle in the 2600 block of North Courseault Street.

Deputies say suspected narcotics were visible inside the vehicle and that the discarded bags were later recovered and believed to contain illegal substances.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for Walters’ Paulina home. During the search at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, they found marijuana, heroin, fentanyl, ecstasy, crack and powder cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis vapes, synthetic cannabinoids, prescription pills, drug paraphernalia, packaging materials, and six firearms with ammunition.

Authorities also discovered items indicating that the residence was being used as a clandestine lab to convert powder cocaine into crack cocaine. Reportedly, the home’s electricity meter had been tampered with, and officials stated that it was receiving power illegally.

Walters now faces charges that include resisting an officer, obstruction of justice, multiple counts of possession with intent to distribute various controlled substances, illegal possession of firearms, operating a clandestine lab, and theft of utility services. He also confronts traffic violations related to the vehicle pursuit.

“This arrest warrant reflects our ongoing commitment to keeping dangerous drugs and weapons off our streets,” said Sheriff Claude J. Louis Jr. in a statement. “We urge the public to continue supporting us by reporting suspicious activity. Together, we can make St. James Parish safer.”

Anyone with information on Walters’ whereabouts is urged to contact the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office at (225) 562-2200 or call 911.