United States Drug Enforcement Administration

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Drug Enforcement (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Downing and Conner Eldridge, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced the final defendants tied to a large-scale drug trafficking organization that operated in Northwest Arkansas were sentenced today. 

 "These sentences mark the final blow reflecting the successful dismantling of this large scale methamphetamine trafficking organization," said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Downing.  "By removing these criminals from the streets of Arkansas, they can no longer distribute this toxic poison to our communities.  Through remarkable partnerships with HSI, ATF, and local law enforcement partnerships with Rogers Police Department, Springdale Police Department, Eureka Springs Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff's Office, we are making major progress in preventing meth trafficking from taking hold in our communities.  This investigation is a compelling example of that success." said Downing.

U.S. Attorney Eldridge commented, “These defendants transported large amounts of methamphetamine from California to Arkansas where they sold and distributed it into our communities.  The drug trafficking organization responsible has now been successfully dismantled, and its members brought to justice.  Our office remains focused on identifying and prosecuting those responsible for bringing drugs onto our streets and crime into our communities.”

“Methamphetamine is a plague that drug traffickers inflict upon law-abiding communities without any regard for the violence and destruction that often accompanies its use,” said Acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge of HSI New Orleans Jerry Templet. “This case illustrates the successful ongoing partnership between HSI, ATF, the DEA, and local law enforcement partners with the Rogers Police Department, Springdale Police Department, Eureka Springs Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff's Office that continue to identify and bring Arkansas drug traffickers to justice.”
As early as April, 2014, investigators with DEA, United States Homeland Security (HSI) and the Rogers, Arkansas Police Department began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization involving the distribution of methamphetamine in Northwest Arkansas.  Numerous controlled buys, surveillance, search warrants, and monitoring were used during the course of the investigation, which resulted in the seizure of approximately ten pounds of methamphetamine and eight weapons, including one fully automatic rifle.  Investigators were able to track approximately $150,000 in cash deposits made into Arkansas banks which were later withdrawn in California. 
  
This case was investigated by DEA, HSI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and (ATF), the Rogers, Arkansas Police Department, the Springdale, Arkansas Police Department, the Eureka Springs, Arkansas Police Department, the Washington County, Arkansas Sheriff’s Office and the Arkansas State Police.  Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon Carter and Kenny Elser prosecuted the cases for the United States.

Parents and children are encouraged to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov.