JONESBORO—Fifteen people were arrested Tuesday morning as part of a sweeping law enforcement operation that targeted associates of a drug organization responsible for the distribution of methamphetamine in the northeast Arkansas area. Law enforcement officers previously arrested one person on Monday and served arrest warrants on an additional three people already in custody.
According to the US Attorney, the investigation began in August 2022 to combat a significant drug distribution organization operating in northeast Arkansas. Numerous indictments, which were returned by a Grand Jury on April 2 and unsealed Tuesday, named several defendants who are charged with various drug, money laundering, and firearm offenses.
Prior to yesterday’s arrests, the investigation had resulted in the seizure of 45 pounds of methamphetamine, 10 pounds of marijuana, one pound of cocaine, six firearms, various ammunition, and $125,000 in drug proceeds. During arrest operations on Tuesday, agents recovered additional methamphetamine, three firearms (one of which was defaced), ammunition, and approximately an additional $28,000 in suspected drug proceeds.
The defendants arrested will appear before a U.S. magistrate judge Thursday for arraignment.