A narcotics investigation in St. Bernard Parish has led to the arrests of two men after deputies say they uncovered suspected drugs, a stolen pickup truck and evidence of altered vehicle identification information.
According to the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, authorities arrested 32-year-old Kordell Moore and 23-year-old Mark Onidas following separate traffic stops in the communities of Violet and Poydras. Investigators said the arrests were part of an ongoing narcotics-unit operation targeting illegal drug activity and related crimes.
Deputies Discover Drugs and Altered License Plate During Traffic Stop
The investigation began when members of the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotics unit conducted a traffic stop on a white Buick SUV in the 1900 block of Goodwill Street in Poydras.
During the stop, deputies said they discovered a switched license plate and suspected narcotics inside the vehicle. Authorities arrested Mark Onidas, 23, in connection with the findings.
The sheriff’s office said Onidas faces multiple drug-related charges, including allegations involving possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Stolen GMC Sierra Found in Violet
Investigators later located a silver GMC Sierra pickup truck in the 2400 block of Colonial Boulevard in Violet that had reportedly been stolen from New Orleans.
Deputies said the vehicle had fraudulent vehicle identification number (VIN) stickers and switched tags, raising additional concerns that the truck’s identity had been altered.
Authorities took Kordell Moore, 32, into custody in connection with the stolen vehicle investigation. Deputies noted that Moore was wearing a GPS ankle monitor at the time of his arrest.
The sheriff’s office said Moore faces several charges related to narcotics offenses, stolen vehicle allegations and vehicle identification alterations.
High Bond Amounts Set for Both Suspects
Following their arrests, both men were booked into custody with significant bond amounts.
According to the parish booking records, Mark Onidas was being held on a $611,850 bond, while Kordell Moore’s bond was set at $221,550.
The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office said the arrests resulted from continued efforts by investigators to address drug activity, vehicle theft and related crimes throughout the parish.
Previous Arrest History
Authorities noted that Moore has previously been arrested in St. Bernard Parish.
In 2019, local reports showed Moore was taken into custody following a traffic stop where investigators alleged he was connected to possession-with-intent charges and illegal possession of a stolen firearm.
The latest arrest adds to law enforcement’s ongoing concerns about repeat offenders and crimes involving illegal drugs, stolen vehicles and firearms-related activity.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may be released as authorities continue reviewing evidence connected to the case.
