ABITA SPRINGS - Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office say a narcotics task force arrested two people and seized more than $100,000 in high-grade marijuana.

37-year-old Wyrick Tyson was booked on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 28-year-old Ashley Fleming was booked on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a firearm in the presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.

Detectives said the investigation into Tyson began back in November of last year when they received information about marijuana being distributed out of a home located at 24220 Highway 435 in Abita Springs. Detectives said they began observing the residence, and they tried to make contact with the residents of the home several times until their persistence paid off the following month.

Task force members said they observed evidence of the marijuana dealing in plain view and took Tyson into custody while executing a search warrant at the residence.

During the search, detectives said they discovered about 2.5 pounds of high-grade marijuana with an estimated street value of $12,000. Along with the pot, detectives seized about 2.5 pounds of suspected “wax” or “dabs” which is made by concentrating THC, the active chemical that produces the marijuana high.

Inside the residence, detectives said they also located a firearm, digital scales and other items that are associated with the packaging and street level distribution of marijuana.

Flemming’s mother, Jeanette Guderian, is believed to have been involved in the dealing operation, but she was not at home when the task force searched the house. An arrest warrant has been issued for her, and deputies asked anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact the STPSO Narcotics Division at (985) 276-1400.