The NOPD arrested Branden Clifton (DOB: 09-19-1988) on November 3, 2017 after he was found in illegal possession of a firearm and narcotics during a traffic stop at the intersection of South Claiborne Avenue and Second Street.

At about 1:15 a.m., Second District detectives conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at the intersection, after observing a mini-van abruptly cross three lanes of traffic and almost collide with the officers’ marked patrol vehicle. As detectives approached the vehicle, they detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle and asked the driver, identified as Clifton, if marijuana was in the vehicle. Clifton acknowledged, at which time the detectives had Clifton step out of the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, detectives discovered vegetable matter found to be marijuana in a clear plastic back on the floor board in the rear seat of the vehicle, as well as a loaded handgun under the driver’s seat. A search of Clifton’s person revealed a pill bottle containing 27 colored tablets found to be Ecstasy and a second pill bottle containing one Tramadol pill.

Clifton was placed under arrest and booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm while in possession of narcotics as well as possession of marijuana, Ecstasy and Tramadol.

Anyone with additional information on this incident is asked to contact Second District detectives at 504-658-6020. Citizens with information that can help solve crimes are asked to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP.