The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office, with some assistance from Crowley, Church Point, Rayne and Iota police, conducted a pre-dawn raid Friday morning which netted nine suspected drug offenders from across the parish.

“We were searching for 15 suspects and arrested nine who had a total of 26 warrants between them,” stated Acadia Parish Sheriff Wayne Melancon. “This is a result of some lengthy undercover work by our officers who’s hard work led to these arrests.”

Melancon added that the investigation is still ongoing as is the hunt for the remaining six suspects.

Deputies broke up into separate groups who traveled to different areas of the parish. They rolled out at approximately 4:30 a.m. and began apprehending suspects shortly afterward. Melancon stated that the suspects were involved in dealing a variety of drugs including crack cocaine, marijuana and hydrocodone. He also conceded that the battle against drugs is a lengthy, constant one.

“We are making progress but this fight is similar to an EKG machine with its ups and downs,” he said. “It can be frustrating because you will sometimes arrest two people and three others will take their place.”

However, the fight will continue.

“We won’t quit,” Melancon said. “These guys threaten our schools . . .our children. We are sending the message that if you want to sell drugs it won’t be in Acadia Parish.”