The 3rd Judicial Drug Task Force has made several arrests since being reinstated

JACKSON COUNTY, Ark. (KAIT) – Since the 3rd Judicial Drug Task Force returned to work in 2023, there have been several subsequent large-scale drug seizures and arrests.

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

The release said the DTF and the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office began a three-month investigation into a drug trafficking organization this summer.

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

In the fall of 2023, the DTF, Sharp County Sheriff's Office, Cave City Police Department, Department of Homeland Security, United States Postal Inspector General, and the 16th Judicial District DTF began “Operation Pony Express,” involving more than 1,700 Grams of methamphetamine and various prescription pills were seized. The press release said several foreign suspects were also identified.

At 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” where the target was found and several drug dealers were arrested.

Agents also managed 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.

The out-of-state drug seizures related to the case included 76,203 grams or 168 pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl and marijuana.

“Without the long hours, communication between agents and cooperation with all external agencies, none of these achievements would have been possible,” the commander said.

Recently, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Legislature approved $4 million in funding to be distributed among the state's Drug Task Force.

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