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September 2, 2008


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NEWS

Suspicious Package at Post Office Results in Drug Arrest

A suspicious package at McKenzie Post Office Tuesday, August 26, resulted in the arrest of Jude Christopher Deras, 21, of Santa Maria, California, on drug charges.

The McKenzie Police Department was contacted by U.S. Postal officials, who believed the suspect package might contain marijuana. Twenty-fourth Judicial Drug Task Force Director Steve Lee and Lt. Tim Nanney arrived at the local postal facility to investigate the matter. A short time later, a drug K-9 dog alerted on the package, indicating the package had the scent of marijuana.

Postmaster Darren Riggs stated the package at been at the local post office since Thursday, August 21, and had arrived at the facility inside an express mail bag. When the bag was opened, the smell of marijuana was very strong, he said. Riggs contacted the Postal Inspectors Office in Memphis, who also sent a representative to the McKenzie office.

Riggs stated the package originated in Santa Maria, California and was addressed to Jude Deras, with a Jordan Avenue, McKenzie, address. The total package weighed eight ounces. Riggs said Deras had come to the post office on a few occasions and also called to check where the package was located.

While officers were at the post office, Postmaster Riggs called Deras shortly before noon and informed him the package was at the local facility, ready for pick up. Deras informed Riggs he would be there in about 30 minutes, according to the police report.

Shortly after 1 p.m., Deras arrived at the post office counter to retrieve his package. After retrieving the package from Riggs’ office, a postal clerk went through the process of releasing the Express Mail package and had Deras sign the proper documents. After taking possession of the package, Deras was taken into custody by Director Lee and Sgt. Nanney.

Law officials also interviewed a man who had driven Deras to the post office. The man acknowledged that he had transported Deras, but stated that he did not know the reason. He stated that he and Deras sometimes played football and that was his only connection with him. The man stated Deras had asked for a ride and he knew nothing else about what was going on. No charges were filed against the man at the time of the report.

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September 2, 2008