Gators, guns and drugs confiscated in search of Picayune man’s house

Picayune Police raided a house on Glenwood Street on Wednesday and confiscated more than 5o pounds of marijuana, mushrooms, steroids, 14 firearms — and eight alligators in residence in a backyard pool.

The department’s Special Operations Division, working with St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, were investigating 46-year-old Ryan Howard, who lives on Glenwood, regarding illegal drug activity. When St. Tammany informed Picayune Police that Howard had been arrested in Louisiana, they executed a search warrant that netted the haul.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks are working with Picayune to capture and relocated the gators, who were all about 3 to 4 feet in length.

St. Tammany arrested Howard and a 17-year-old female, who were transporting 80 pounds of marijuana, which Chief Joe Quave said they believed was headed to Mississippi for distribution. Howard has an outstanding warrant for trafficking a controlled substance.

Quave said the investigation is ongoing and more charges are likely. 

Quave said he wanted to thank St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office for their assistance and that he appreciates the hard work done by his officers.