drug bust in little rock arkansas 2021

Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 500 grams but less than 5 kilograms of cocaine is punishable by not less than five years, not more than 40 years incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $5,000,000, and not less than four years supervised release. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. All rights reserved. P.O. Law enforcement began early this morning by searching for 72 suspects, all of whom were indicted for federal gun and drug trafficking crimes. We are fortunate to have good working relationships where drug trafficking organizations such as this one are dismantled. U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Arkansas, Investigations Built on the Work of Late Pine Bluff Detective Kevin Collins, Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (LECC), Three Federal Operations in Pine Bluff and Little Rock Lead to Dozens of Drug & Firearm Arrests, 35 Years In Federal Prison for Convicted Cocaine Trafficker, Operation "Candyland" Leads to Multiple Drug Arrests in Marianna and Forrest City, Little Rock Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl That Resulted in Death. Another search warrant was then executed at the apartment in Marmaduke. A third operation, this one led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), began in August 2021 when DEA and the North Little Rock Police Department identified street-level methamphetamine and fentanyl dealers in central Arkansas who were connected to the same source of supply. Dubbed Operation Candyland, this investigation by the FBI, Arkansas Eastern District of Arkansas Representatives from law enforcement agencies across the state converse before a news conference Wednesday at the U.S. attorneys office in Little Rock. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Fordson, also a part of the Fuller fentanyl distribution ring, agreed with Fuller and others in 2018 to "distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.". In December 2020, the Drug Enforcement. Hobbs said the announcement of Wednesday's arrests was particularly meaningful to both him and Collins' mother because of the credit Collins received from federal authorities for the part he played in the investigations. Before Wednesdays DEA arrests, investigators seized $146,000 in cash, 10 firearms, 12 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.2 kilograms of powder fentanyl, 600 pressed fentanyl pills, 10 pounds of marijuana, and nine ounces of cocaine. A press release from the drug task force detailed a large interagency drug bust this week in NEA. During FBI wiretapped phone calls and text messages between Fordson and Fuller, Fordson negotiated the purchase and distribution of fentanyl from Fuller. After the delivery, agents executed a search warrant into the Rector home to retrieve the package and arrested Jacob Smith, who accepted the package from undercover DTF agents. DEA is committed to its partnerships with all of our law enforcement allies in our ongoing efforts to make our communities safer and a better place for our families and children. The units investigations and operations are coordinated out of FBI Little Rocks field office, and GETROCK continues to serve as the clearinghouse for gang-related law enforcement activity in Central Arkansas. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 28 grams but less than 280 grams of crack cocaine is punishable by not less than five years, not more than 40 years incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $5,000,000, and not less than four years supervised release. During Tuesdays arrests, officers recovered an additional AR-15 rifle. Gladney was listed as a defendant in the indictment that was a result of the FBI focusing on the EBK gang, as was his father Freddie Gladney, Jr. A multiagency sweep early Wednesday involving 14 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies netted the arrests of 45 people, Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Bragg announced at a press conference Wednesday afternoon that 45 people had been arrested on charges involved drug trafficking, weapons violations and gang activity. Example video title will go here for this video. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Authorities also seized four firearms including an AR-style pistol, 2 ounces of cocaine, 1 ounce of crack-cocaine and $30,000 on Wednesday morning. Javier Rodela and Alejandro Flores of El Paso Texas were charged with trafficking a controlled substance and are being held in the White County Detention Center on $400,000 bonds. A third operation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), began in August 2021 when the North Little Rock Police Department identified street-level methamphetamine and fentanyl. This investigation culminated in the indictment of 18 defendants. Former DEA special agent Derek Maltz breaks down how Mexican cartels are utilizing social media sites to 'target' young children on 'Lawrence Jones Cross Country.'. An FBI seal is seen on a wall on Aug. 10, 2022, in Omaha, Nebraska. The investigations focused on rival gangs responsible for violence throughout central Arkansas, with one operation focused on the EBK or Every Body Killas gang and resulting in the indictment of 35 defendants. LITTLE ROCKThirteen people will appear in federal court today after being arrested Tuesday morning as part of "Operation Hartbreak Kid.". Share on Facebook Facebook Arkansas Drug Director Kirk Lane is seeing more of these stories, massive busts on highways and side roads as traffickers travel the state. Official websites use .gov This investigation involved the seizure of various illegal drugs ranging from marijuana to fentanyl, along with several firearms. As part of the operation on Tuesday more than 20 vehicles and more than $35,000 in drug proceeds from multiple bank accounts was seized. Multiple undercover operations and numerous other law enforcement actions, including multiple seizures of cocaine and crack cocaine were used during the investigation. Drug trafficking brings violence and fear to our communities, and we will do everything we can to protect our streets from these crimes, stated Jonathan D. Ross, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. Investigation revealed the drugs were being mailed into Arkansas from California, and these shipmentswhich included kilogram-quantities of methamphetamine and thousands of pressed fentanyl pillswere then distributed to individuals in Little Rock and Pine Bluff as well as Houston, Texas. Gioelli faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Twenty-seven fugitives are still not in custody, as of Wednesday morning, and those who were arrested were scheduled to appear for arraignment by U.S. Magistrate Judge Joe. Authorities took Hall to the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility where he's currently being held without bond until he appears in North Little Rock Court on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. That indictment named an additional 18 defendants. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Tuesday, the unnamed drug interdiction deputy was patrolling along highway 67 near Searcy when he pulled over a car for a lane change violation. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana: Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine is punishable by not less than 10 years, not more than life, incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $10,000,000, and not less than five years supervised release. A greater amount, in fact, a very large amount was found secreted around the vehicle, said Seiders, most of them inside of the structure of the vehicle itself.. This spring, Le Creuset has introduced an exciting new shade thats already selling fast: shallot, a soft lavender with pink and slight gray undertones. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Authorities arrested Michael Hall and during the arrest police found nearly two handguns, digital scales, suboxone, marijuana, and nearly 2-lbs of fentanyl in his possession that's valued at roughly $175,520 according to reports. We greatly appreciate the FBI and their continued support for this critical mission, said Chief Kenton Buckner of the Little Rock Police Department. Jim Dawson, the special agent in charge of the local FBI office, said after Collins' death, the FBI banded together with investigative partners around the state to accelerate efforts to address the problem of violent crime in central Arkansas. Agents with Homeland Security received information from FedEx and Border Patrol regarding a package shipped from Mexico to Rector, Arkansas that contained approximately fifteen pounds of DMT, which is a hallucinogenic schedule I controlled substance. All rights reserved. Reports say that authorities made the arrest around 5:43 p.m. on Idaho Drive after they found Hall inside of a vehicle. Kelley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl in February. According to a release from the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, the Drug Enforcement Admiration arrested 13 people as part of Operation Hartbreak Kid, which was named after the man agents believe to be the lead defendant in the case, 27-year-old Derrick Hart. On October 25, 2021, three separate . Todays events provide an excellent example of the partnerships between local, county, state, and federal agencies. During the stop, he asked to search the car and was given permission by the driver. In recent weeks, Little Rock police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have teamed up in an effort to help combat violent crimes. Kraneum is legal everywhere. Investigation revealed the drugs were being mailed into Arkansas from California, and these shipmentswhich included kilogram-quantities of methamphetamine and thousands of pressed fentanyl pillswere then distributed to individuals in Little Rock and Pine Bluff as well as Houston, Texas. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Named after lead defendant Derrick Hart, 27, of North Little Rock, this operation targeted drug distribution in the North Little Rock area. Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Fax Line:(501) 340-2728. According to the indictment, Freddie Gladney III and the 34 other individuals allegedly knowingly and intentionally distributed and possessed cocaine, crack-cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies including: the Little Rock Police Department, Benton Police Department, Sherwood Police Department, Pulaski County Sheriffs Office, Arkansas National Guard, Arkansas State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and United States Marshal Service. On Wednesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Peters filed a motion to dismiss the earlier indictment on the grounds that Gladney's arrest in April was part of the same conspiracy contained in the new indictment. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. FBIs GETROCK Task Force was formed in 2017 in response to the escalation in gang and gun violence in Little Rock. Little Rock police arrested a woman on drug-trafficking charges Thursday afternoon after finding more than 1,000 tablets of Xanax at a West Markham Street residence, according to an arrest report. Rhodes bites off two pieces to weigh on a set of electronic scales and can be seen counting money, according to the plea agreement. Marshals, Arkansas National Guard, Arkansas State Police, the U.S. Attorneys office, and the FBI.. The two FBI operations, each focused on a rival gang, were created to address violence and drug trafficking in the corridor between Pine Bluff and Little Rock. A lock ( P.O. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Official websites use .gov In just the first half of this current fiscal period, the state is already at $115 million. In addition to the arrests, during the operation authorities seized 4 firearms, one of which was an AR-style pistol; 2 ounces of cocaine; 1 ounce of crack cocaine; and $30,000 cash. The investigations into the rival gangs and their involvement in the drug and firearms pipeline in Arkansas gained momentum in October 2020 after Pine Bluff Police Detective Kevin Collins was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant on an EBK member wanted for homicide in Georgia. Have a question about Government Services? The three men were a part of fentanyl distribution rings that trafficked the drug in Central Arkansas. The DEA Little Rock Office was assisted by the DEA Riverside, California office, United States Postal Inspection Service, North Little Rock Police Department, Sherwood Police Department and Benton Police Department. - Deputies in Johnson County say they made a huge drug bust during a traffic stop Tuesday but think the bigger crime was the suspects bringing Little Debbie into the mix. But it wasnt until the vehicle was taken back to the department that the full extent of hidden narcotics was found. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) to find and dismantle groups who misuse the U.S. Mail, said Thomas Noyes, Inspector in Charge of the Fort Worth Division of the USPIS. According to a release from the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, the Drug Enforcement Admiration arrested 13 people as part of Operation . ARKANSAS, USA Arkansas State Police (ASP) have arrested 22 people in connection to an alleged narcotics operation in St. Francis County. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. Rawls, 50, of Benton, was sentenced to 420 months imprisonment for his role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Three defendants are named in multiple indictments. Pine Bluff Police Detective Kevin Collins was shot and killed in October 2020 while serving an arrest warrant on an EBK associate wanted for a homicide in Georgia. Dubbed Operation Candyland, this investigation by the FBI, Arkansas Eastern District of Arkansas During the search, drugs were found and the two men were arrested. In total, deputies found 62 lbs. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. With this investigation, DEA, working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, has taken down a drug trafficking organization responsible for bringing significant amounts of these illegal dangerous drugs into Arkansas through the U.S. Mexican cartels are marketing their drugs through social media: Former DEA special agent. Collins' parents, Charles and Dornetta Hobbs of Pine Bluff, attended the press conference. Possession with the intent to distribute less than 500 grams of cocaine is punishable by not more than 20 years incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $1,000,000, and not less than three years supervised release. Possession of a firearm by a felon is punishable by not more than 20 years incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $250,000, and not more than three years supervised release. "That regret and grief over the loss of his life led to an even greater resolve by his colleagues, including the task force, who have been working hard to investigate these cases.". During the investigation, DEA covertly purchased approximately two pounds of methamphetamine from various co-conspirators and seized more than a pound of methamphetamine and several firearms during the execution of search warrants. An investigative focus on the pipeline of drugs and firearms between Pine Bluff and Little Rock resulted in the indictment of 80 individuals, all charged with various federal firearms and drug trafficking charges in multiple indictments that were unsealed today. The 80 individuals sought were charged with various federal firearms and drug trafficking charges. He said that much of the investigative work that led to the indictments was done by task force officers -- local police deployed to work with federal agencies -- out of Little Rock, North Little Rock, Pine Bluff and other local jurisdictions. Detectives arrested Krystal Bolen, 37, the report said. Brenda Golden Day- age 36, Fort Smith, Arkansas - sentenced April 1, 2021 to 60 months BOP and $100 special assessment for Distribution of More Than Five Grams of Methamphetamine. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Staci Vandagriff), Dornetta Hobbs, mother of Detective Kevin Collins, uses her mask to dab her eyes during a news conference Wednesday at the U.S. attorneys office in Little Rock. Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. All rights reserved. This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. Main Office: North Little Rock police arrested a 33-year-old man with multiple active felony warrants out. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. (Prince Williams/Wireimage). As a part of his guilty plea Wednesday, Gioelli admitted the amount of fentanyl he distributed was between eight and 16 grams. Later on, agents retrieved two arrest warrants for Amber Smith and Tylor Clairday for trafficking a controlled substance. WHITE COUNTY, Ark. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The Brewster DTO was based out of Brewsters Used Auto and Detail shop on Forbing Road in southwest Little Rock. Kevin Collins, who was shot to death Oct. 5, 2020 as he attempted to serve an arrest warrant on a known member of the EBK street gang. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine is punishable by not less than 10 years, not more than life, incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $10,000,000, and not less than five years supervised release. Of the 80 defendants indicted on Wednesday, eight were in custody before the roundup began. During the arrest, authorities found guns and. LITTLE ROCK-A sweeping law-enforcement operation that involved numerous agencies and targeted members of a drug-trafficking organization responsible for the distribution of multiple kilograms of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine in central Arkansas resulted in more than a dozen arrests Tuesday morning. JOHNSON COUNTY, Ark. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Three defendants are named in multiple indictments. Three men pleaded guilty in two separate fentanyl cases in federal court in Little Rock on Wednesday. The drugs tested positive for opiates and are believed to be fentanyl. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. Three federal investigations focused on the drug and firearm pipeline in Arkansas came to a head on Wednesday morning when 80 indictments were unsealed and 45 arrests were made, which included the rapper Bankroll Freddie, whose real name is Freddie Gladney III. Todays arrests are the culmination of a long term collaboration between the Little Rock, Benton, and Sherwood Police Departments, as well as the Pulaski County Sheriffs Department, U.S. "The most violent offenders, the most violent groups in the most violent places," Ross said, "these are our priorities.". "We've taken most of those into custody and in the coming days we hope to take the remainder in," he said. The FBI conducted their operations with assistance from Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Department of Community Corrections, Little Rock Police Department, North Little Rock Police Department, Pine Bluff Police Department, and Jonesboro Police Department. LITTLE ROCKA federal jury convicted a Little Rock man who distributed the fentanyl that resulted in a person's overdose death in early 2021. Two FBI operations, each focused on a rival gang, were created to address violence and drug trafficking in the corridor between Pine Bluff and Little Rock. Three; Michael Dawkins, Rodriques Davis and Richard Beason, are still at large. DEA agents arrest 13, seize drugs & gun in North Little Rock neighborhood bust During the search, drugs were found and the two men were arrested. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. A press release from the drug task force detailed a large interagency drug bust this week in NEA. The second investigation focused on the Loady Murder Mobb gang and resulted in the indictment of 26 defendants. Following a three-day trial and after one hour of deliberation, the jury convicted Jemel Foster, 32, of four federal drug and firearm crimes, including distribution of fentanyl that resulted in death. An investigative focus on the pipeline of drugs and firearms between Pine Bluff and Little Rock resulted in the indictment of 80 individuals, all charged with various federal firearms and drug trafficking charges in multiple indictments that were unsealed today. He has a lot of things that he looks for to pick up on people that may be trafficking, explained Lt. Scott Seiders with WCSO. An official website of the United States government. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Givens. Pine Bluff Police Detective Kevin Collins was shot and killed in October 2020 while serving an arrest warrant on an EBK associate wanted for a homicide in Georgia. Twenty-seven fugitives remain after Wednesdays arrests. Fax Line:(501) 340-2728. Immerse Arkansas to break ground for first-of-its-kind youth shelter, Police activate Silver Alert for missing North Little Rock woman, Your Arkansas weather forecast from THV11, Tornado recovery agencies in Arkansas move on to new areas, Seven Arkansas men arrested on fentanyl drug charges related to overdose death, Bryant school bus driver arrested, charged with DWI, 2 dead following pursuit with Arkansas State trooper in Memphis, TBI reports. According to the Little Rock Police. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. Get FBI email alerts This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Ellington, while in handcuffs, broke free from police and fled a short distance before being recaptured, the report said. Lock Copyright 2023, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Main Office: Prior to todays FBI arrests in their operations involving the EBK and Loady Murder Mobb gangs, investigators seized 42 firearms, including two machine guns; approximately $775,000 in cash and $428,000 in jewelry; approximately 278 pounds of marijuana, which has an approximate street value of $450,000; 7 ounces of cocaine; 3 ounces of crack cocaine; 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine; and 116 pills containing fentanyl. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. A search found methamphetamine, cocaine, Ecstasy, marijuana and a digital scale, according to the report. HOUSTON RAPPER THE BREADMAN GETS 23 YEARS FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING. Collins was killed in a shootout Oct. 5, 2020, while working an investigation at the Econo Lodge motel in Pine Bluff. Prior to his death, Detective Collins was assisting FBI with intelligence related to criminal activity of these gangs, as well as surveillance, interviews, and arrests of individuals responsible for criminal activity in Pine Bluff. Most of the defendants who were arrested this morning will appear at a later date for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Joe J. Volpe. Rain: 7am to 7am: .00 Month: 0.00 Year: 20.21 Recorded temps: High: 63 Low: 45, By: U.S. Attorney Eastern District of Arkansas. Further, there were numerous items used to produce, grow, cultivate, package, and sell controlled substances. We will continue to identify and bring to justice offenders like these to protect our communities and the U.S. Mail.. The release says authorities seized about 16.2 pounds of cocaine, 7.7 pounds of marijuana, 13 firearms and $9,540. "These operations today are, in part, a continuation of those efforts," Dawson said, adding that the indictments unsealed on Wednesday are part of an ongoing effort to disrupt the activities of violent street gangs in Arkansas. On Wednesday and in prior operations involving the EBK and Loady Murder Mobb gangs, investigators seized a total of 46 firearms, including two machine guns; approximately $805,000 in cash and $428,000 in jewelry; approximately 278 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $450,000; nine ounces of cocaine; four ounces of crack cocaine; 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine; and 116 pills containing fentanyl. Agencies that assisted the FBI in executing their operations included the Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Department of Community Corrections, Little Rock Police Department, North Little Rock Police Department, Pine Bluff Police Department and Jonesboro Police Department. The units investigations and operations are coordinated out of FBI Little Rocks field office, and GETROCK continues to serve as the clearinghouse for gang-related law enforcement activity in Central Arkansas. The total street value of the bust more than $3 million, one of the largest traffic-stop-related drug busts in White County history. The investigation revealed drug trafficking and travel between Arkansas and Texas, California, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. Lock He was trying to make an arrest of a guy who had already killed someone.". This achievement was made possible by a collaborative effort with our many local and federal law enforcement agencies. Ke'shone Smith of Pine Bluff, who was wanted for a murder in Georgia when Collins was killed, is scheduled to go on trial for Collins' murder April 17 in Jefferson County Circuit Court. At this time, agents located LSD, Kratom, marijuana, paraphernalia, MDMA (ecstasy), mushrooms, $2,449.00, five firearms, and cocaine. Gladney and his father were indicted for possessing between 500 grams and 5 kilograms of cocaine, between 28 and 280 grams of crack-cocaine, and between 100 kilograms and 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, the indictment noted. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. One out of every six of these pills on the average contains a lethal dose, Lane said, referring to fentanyl. Agents made contact with these two individuals at their apartment on 3rd Street in Marmaduke. In December 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA .

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