OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- An Opelousas resident was arrested on drug and gun charges thanks to a Crime Stoppers tip, according to authorities.

Matthew Babineaux, 37, of Church Point, is charged with failure to use safety belts, possession with intent to distribute schedule II narcotics (2 counts), possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled substance (2 counts), transactions involving proceeds from drugs offenses, and possession of narcotics in the presence of persons under 17 years old (2 counts).

Officials said Babineaux was arrested after the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office received a Crime Stoppers tip in regard to selling drugs from 204 McClelland Road in Opelousas. St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said detectives established surveillance on the residence Aug. 2.

"During the course of the surveillance, detectives observed Babineaux depart the residence in a small blue Toyota Corolla," Guidroz said. "The narcotics street team then utilized a marked unit to conduct a probable cause stop on Babineaux for a no seatbelt violation on Highway 35.”

Detectives said they smelled a strong odor of marijuana from inside the vehicle. The vehicle was searched and detectives located a marijuana cigar in the center console. Detectives also found $1,654 in cash on Babineaux's person, which Babineaux said he won playing dice, authorities said.  

Police then searched his residence, where they found a shotgun, rifle, 54 hydrocodone pills, 31 oxycodone pills, 1 gram of cocaine and $5,020 in cash, officials said.

Babineaux's bond is set for $75,750.

Anyone with information about illegal drug activity is encouraged to call the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Hotline at 337-948-0970 or 948-1030. All callers remain anonymous and the information is kept strictly confidential.  

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