Pair faces drug charges after deputies say meth, other drugs found in car

Virginia Raphiel (Source: St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office)

MORGAN CITY, LA (WAFB) - A woman and man from north Louisiana were arrested on drug charges in Morgan City early Thursday morning.

The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office reported Virginia Raphiel, 34, of Robeline, and Kevin Latchie, 31, of Natchitoches, were taken into custody around 1:15 a.m.

Deputies said narcotics agents patrolling the Morgan City area spotted a car turn onto Federal Avenue without using a signal and pulled it over.

Investigators noted that when detectives walked up to the car they could see meth and marijuana inside. According to detectives, Raphiel, who was driving, tried to hide a bag of meth on her.

Authorities reported the meth seized has an estimated street value of $12,600. They added Ativan and Neurontin pills, along with $7,100 in cash, were also found.

Raphiel was booked into the St. Mary Parish Jail on the following charges:

Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute

Possession of marijuana

Possession of Schedule IV (Ativan)

Possession of Legend Drug (Neurontin)

Obstruction of justice

Failure to signal 100 ft. prior to a turn

Latchie is facing charges of:

Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute

Possession of marijuana (4th offense)

Obstruction of justice

Transactions involving drug proceeds