METAIRIE, La. (WGNO) – Two float riders are accused of throwing promotional drug testing kits Sunday during the Corps de Napoleon parade.
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office said they stopped a parade float after receiving complaints of parade goers being hit by hard objects. After an investigation, officials discovered that two riders were throwing drug testing kits bearing advertisements for Castle Medical.
“Parish ordinance prohibits throws with sharp edges as well as any action by riders that could shock the public. Here, catching a urine specimen cup was pretty surprising for some”, said Sean Burke, Jefferson Parish Director of Citizen’s Affairs, the Parish Department which coordinates Jefferson Parish’s Mardi Gras.
Local ordinance also requires the Captain of the parading krewe to pre-approve all throws. “That did not happen, in this case,” said Burke.
“We will take all steps necessary to maintain the family-first culture of Jefferson Parish Mardi Gras,” said Jefferson Parish President John Young. “This was poor judgment by a few individuals in an isolated incident. Overall, this is one of our best Mardi Gras seasons ever and we hope to see more people on the route tomorrow.”
The Jefferson Parish authorities will review the situation and decide whether any further action needs to be taken.
