DEA, WMPD partner in drug thug roundup

DEA, WMPD partner in drug thug roundup

Major state- wide enforcement operation results in arrests, drugs and weapons

news@theeveningtimes.com

The Drug Enforcement Administration, in conjunction with federal and state prosecutors, announced today an unprecedented enforcement action spanning across the state of Arkansas in a combined effort to reverse the horrible effects on communities produced by violent drug traffickers. As part of this effort, dubbed Operation Task Force Arkansas, the takedown operation resulted in the arrest of 1,260 individuals on federal and state charges and the seizure of 211 firearms, over 37 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1,293 pounds of marijuana, 47 kilograms of cocaine, almost one kilogram of heroin, 228,913 controlled prescription pills, $357,399 in U.S. currency and 32 vehicles.

“With this operation, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have severely disrupted multiple drug trafficking organizations operating in Arkansas” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Justin King. “These enforcement actions will have an immediate impact on the drug trafficking organizations ability to conduct business as usual. The operation culminated in enforcement actions taken over the course of several days, which exemplify the outstanding cooperation among law enforcement agencies here in our state.”

Last week, WMPD narcotics detectives and a DEA representative arrested nine people in West Memphis on drug delivery, possession of drugs, or possession of drug paraphernalia charges.

WMPD Commander Special Operations Captain Robert Langston acknowledged the team effort with federal authorities and announced local arrests in connection with the statewide sweep. “This effort was part of the ongoing operation in West Memphis between the West Memphis Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency,” said Langston. “The DEA was one of the federal entities that began a partnership with WMPD in 2015 as part of the Public Safety Partnership. This collaboration has provided an effective way to deal with drug offenders who prey on this community and we will continue to work with the DEA, FBI, and the ATF in an effort to rid our community of these individuals.”

Those arrested locally included: Roderick Walker, delivery of cocaine; Chaquita Hamilton, delivery of cocaine; Jerry Hampton, delivery of cocaine; Sherry Stewart, delivery of methamphetamine; Austin Sells, possession of methamphetamine; Michael Odom, delivery of methamphetamine; Ralphial Smith, delivery of cocaine; Raymond Henderson, possession of drug paraphernalia.

“In my seven years as an elected state prosecutor, I came to depend on the important work done by drug task forces,” U.S. Attorney Cody Hiland said. “This significant operation, which led to the arrest of hundreds of criminals, underscores just how valuable these task forces are in the law enforcement tool box. As United States Attorney, my office stands ready, willing, and eager to work with our local and state partners to ensure a safer Arkansas for its citizens.”

“This week's operation is a great example on how effective we can be when we work together” said U.S.

Attorney DAK Kees “I am thankful for all the hard work and dedication from all our state and local taskforce officers and special agents.”

Operation Task Force Arkansas was led by the DEA Little Rock District Office and Arkansas' 19 Drug Task Forces, who partnered with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies across the state for a combined enforcement and investigative effort. Over 200 law enforcement officers, analysts and support personnel worked together in this coordinated effort targeting the most violent and dangerous drug traffickers and drug trafficking organizations preying on our communities through the smuggling.

By the Evening Times News Staff