A major narcotics bust in Baldwin has led to the arrest of a local man after police say they seized drugs and a loaded firearm near Branch Street Park. Antoine F. Jones, also known as “Midget,” is now facing multiple felony charges.
Authorities confirmed the case involved a significant amount of controlled substances, and bond has been set at $1,002,500 following the arrest. The situation has drawn attention locally, especially given the location and the range of items recovered during the investigation.
Details of the Drug Bust and Police Operation
Police in Baldwin say the operation unfolded on April 22, 2026, near a residence on Branch Street, not far from Branch Street Park. Officers approached several individuals behind the property and quickly recognized one person with an outstanding warrant.
As officers made contact, they reported detecting the presence of illegal narcotics, which led to a deeper investigation on-site. A K-9 unit from the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office was called in to assist with a vehicle parked nearby.
The K-9 conducted an open-air sniff and alerted positively, giving officers probable cause to search the vehicle. That step, according to Police Chief Anthony Gibson, marked a key moment in confirming the scale of what officers were dealing with.
Drugs, Weapon and Evidence Seized
Authorities say the search uncovered a large quantity of controlled substances, pointing to what investigators consider a significant narcotics case in Baldwin. Officers reported finding about 5.6 pounds of marijuana along with roughly 1.4 pounds of methamphetamine inside the vehicle.
Investigators also located 56 grams of synthetic marijuana, 25 MDMA pills, and 6 grams of crack cocaine, adding to the range of substances recovered. In addition, officers seized THC vape products and promethazine, both commonly linked to illegal distribution cases.
Alongside the drugs, officers recovered a loaded firearm, which increased the seriousness of the situation given the combination of weapons and narcotics. Police say items like packaging materials and related equipment were also found, supporting distribution-related charges in the case.
Charges and Law Enforcement Response
Antoine F. Jones was arrested and booked on multiple felony charges tied to narcotics and weapons violations. Authorities say those include possession with intent to distribute several controlled substances, along with drug paraphernalia offenses linked to what officers recovered.
He is also facing serious firearm charges, including possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substances. Police say that combination increases the severity of the case under Louisiana law.
Jones was transported to the St. Mary Law Enforcement Center, where bond was set at $1,002,500. Police Chief Anthony Gibson commended officers and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office, pointing to coordinated work behind the investigation.
Endnote
Cases like this often spark ongoing debate in smaller Louisiana communities about how to balance enforcement with long-term solutions, especially when activity is reported near public spaces like parks. Residents tend to focus on safety, while officials emphasize continued pressure on distribution networks.
What comes next will unfold through the court system, where cases involving multiple felony charges can take time to move forward. For Baldwin and St. Mary Parish, situations like this often shape future policing priorities and how resources are directed across the area.