Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested a California man on felony drug charges according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones Jr.

Sheriff’s Patrol Units were working in the Campti area on Wednesday night at approximately 8:30pm, when they stopped a 1981 Dodge Van for a traffic violation.

During the traffic stop, deputies suspected suspicious activity obtaining permission to search the vehicle and occupants, seizing suspected marijuana, and suspected pharmaceutical drugs.

A narcotics detection K-9 was also utilized during the traffic stop.

Dennis Earl Smiley Jr., 48 of Elk Grove, California was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with 2-Counts of Illegal Possession of CDS Schedule III Narcotics, and 1-Count of Possession of CDS I Marijuana.

Deputies say that Smiley was traveling from California to Alabama.

Deputies Victor Kay and Fred Denham made the arrest.