An anonymous tip from the Slidell Police Department’s Narcotic Hotline Thursday led to the arrest of a Slidell man after police found seven marijuana plants growing at his father’s house.

Jason A. Clark, 20, 2023 10th St., Slidell, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and on an outstanding warrant for probation violation from the Slidell City Court. Foltz said the probation violation was for a 2006 arrest when Clark was charged for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Foltz said police got a call on the hotline Thursday afternoon about the marijuana. Two detectives went to a house on 10th Street to investigate. While walking around the property, detectives were able to see what appeared to be a large marijuana plant growing in a pot on the back porch. Detectives approached the homeowner, who is the father of Clark, and told him about the complaint. The father agreed to let the detectives search his house, and they found five small marijuana plants growing in pots next to the large marijuana plant, all growing on the back porch.

Detectives also found a digital scale and a supply of plastic sandwich bags, both commonly used to package marijuana for sale. Among the plastic bags were five individually-wrapped bags with marijuana. Police do not know if the pot in the bags was grown by Clark or if he bought it for re-sale.

Clark was arrested at 5:29 p.m. after he admitted to detectives the plants and equipment all belonged to him. Clark said his parents were not involved in his growing and selling operation, and detectives decided not to arrest the parents, Foltz said.

Clark is being held at the Slidell City Jail, and if convicted, could face up to five years in jail, a $2,000 fine or both.

Police ask that anyone having knowledge of illegal drug activity should contact their Narcotics Hotline at 649-0640.