The 3rd Anti-Drug Judicial Force has made several arrests since its reintegration

On October 2, 2024By Rgal Nv

JACKSON COUNTY, Ark. (KAIT) – Since the restart of the 3rd Judicial Drug Task Force in 2023, multiple large-scale drug seizures and arrests have been made.

According to a press release from the commander, the DTF was disbanded in 2019 but was restarted in July 2023 with the assistance of Randolph County Sheriff Kevin Bell, Sharp County Sheriff Shane Russell, Lawrence County Sheriff Tony Waldrupe and Jackson County Sheriff Russell Brinsfield.

The release states that during this summer, the DTF and the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office began a three-month investigation into a drug trafficking organization.

After several search warrants and multiple arrests, approximately 1,300 grams of methamphetamine were recovered.

In fall 2023, the DTF, the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office, the Cave City Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security, the United States Postal Inspector, and the 16th Judicial District of the DTF have launched “Operation Pony Express” during which more than 1,700 grams of methamphetamine and various prescription drugs were seized. The release said several out-of-state suspects were also identified.

During the same time of year, Newport Police Department Task Force officers received information about a major drug dealer in Newport.

DTF and NPD launched “Operation Meth Around and Find Out”, during which the target was found and several drug dealers were arrested.

Agents were also able to identify an out-of-state supply source and a large drug trafficking organization spanning multiple states.

A total of 9,970 grams of methamphetamine was seized in Newport.

Out-of-state drug seizures associated with this case included 76,203 grams, or 168 pounds, of methamphetamine, fentanyl and marijuana.

“None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the long hours, communication between officers and cooperation with all outside agencies,” the commander said.

Recently, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Legislature approved $4 million in funding that would be distributed throughout the state’s drug task force.

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