OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- A drug bust at an Opelousas motel resulted in one arrest and the confiscation of a large amount of synthetic marijuana, authorities said.

Eric Melancon, 32, of Lafayette, is charged with possession with intent to distribute synthetic marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of Xanax.

Narcotics detectives with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office received a tip Thursday from a confidential informant that a suspect, identified as Melancon, would be delivering a large amount of synthetic marijuana to a local motel located on the I-49 Service Road in Opelousas.  The synthetic marijuana has a street name of “Mojo Paper,” which are pieces of paper that have been soaked in liquid synthetic marijuana designed to mimic the effects of THC, officials said.

Narcotics detectives observed Melancon arrive in a white Ford Mustang, and park on the side of the building. They approached Melancon, who was cooperative and exited the car, officials said. 

Detectives said they noted a strong odor of marijuana coming from the interior, and searched the vehicle, which contained the following items: 

• One zip-lock bag containing 14 sheets of synthetic marijuana (Mojo Paper);
• One Xanax tablet
• One marijuana grinder 

The Mojo Paper has an estimated street value of $7,000, authorities said.

Melancon was transported to the St. Landry Parish Jail where he is being held on $17,000 bond.

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