VIDALIA — Four people are behind bars after one of the largest drug busts in Concordia Parish history.

The Concordia Parish Narcotics Task Force confiscated nearly $200,000 worth of illegal narcotics following the arrests of Cedrick D. Saulsberry, 26, 709 Sixth St., Ferriday, Clorise Jean Green, 52, 2117 Rose St., Lake Charles, Efuante B. Morales, 25, 903 Delaware Ave., Ferriday and Kenneth D. Leonard, 23, 613 Sixth St., Ferriday.

Law enforcement officials reportedly found a significant amount of marijuana hidden in a barbecue pit at 709 Sixth St., in Ferriday, where they also found a brick of cocaine in a bedroom, according to a news release from the CPSO.

They reportedly found hydrocodone and Xanax, crack cocaine rocks, marijuana, powder cocaine and digital scales in the house, and confiscated guns and a bullet-proof vest.

Saulsberry had to be transported to a local hospital because he allegedly tried to consume some of the drugs at the time of arrest. He has since been returned to CPSO custody.

Saulsberry was charged with felony possession of marijuana, possession of schedule II drugs (cocaine) with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of schedule IV drugs (hydrocodone), possession of schedule IV drugs (Xanax), unlawful possession of body armor, possession of a firearm while in possession of controlled dangerous substance drugs, felony possession of stolen property, obstruction of justice and resisting an officer.

Green was charged with possession of schedule II drugs (cocaine) with intent to distribute, possession of schedule I drugs (marijuana), possession of schedule IV drugs (hydrocodone), possession of schedule IV drugs (Xanax), possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of body armor, possession of firearm while on possession of controlled dangerous substance drugs and felony possession of stolen things.

Leonard was charged with felony possession of marijuana, possession of schedule II drugs (crack cocaine) with intent to distribute and probation violation.

Morales was charged with probation and parole hold violation.

Concordia Parish Sheriff Randy Maxwell said he believes the arrests will serve as a major blow to the region’s drug trade, and that he had no doubt the drugs were destined for not only Concordia Parish, but also Catahoula and Tensas Parish and Adams County.

“This was more than a kilo of cocaine, assorted guns, marijuana and other illegal narcotics on the premises,” Maxwell said. “The officers involved in this did an excellent job. A lot of times it takes great police work with a little bit of luck and, in this case, it all came together.”

““Lt. (Chris) Groh and Ferriday Officer Sam King did a fantastic job, as did everyone who assisted them. I’m extremely grateful for the cooperation of the Ferriday Police Department.”

Ferriday officers John Cowan, Raymond Rouse and Eddie Martin assisted in the case, as did CPSO deputies Patrick Cavin, Kenneth Tucker and Jerry Barnes.