Marked Tree, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – February 25 2025 – Eighteen defendants accused of distributing large amounts of methamphetamine in Northeast Arkansas are in custody after federal and state authorities made several arrests in Poinsett County this morning The arrests are part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation involving the FBI ICE and several other agencies.adButlerLazyLoad("1944873418422991499",100,["707873","707873","707873"],"177037"); United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Little Rock Field Office The large-scale drug operation in Northeast Arkansas is A team of law enforcement agencies in the area coordinated to arrest 17 individuals this morning Another defendant was already in state custody.adButlerLazyLoad("3339099981294183375",100,["707873","707873","707873"],"177037"); Today’s arrests are in conjunction with the unsealing of the indictment of 21 individuals who were charged by a federal grand jury on February 6 Twenty of the 21 defendants are charged together in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine Three additional coconspirators who live outside the area have been indicted but have not yet been arrested The arrests stem from an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Most of the defendants listed in the indictment are from Trumann and Marked Tree The indictment marks the first large-scale federal investigation into the Northeast section of the state involved numerous controlled purchases of methamphetamine from members of the conspiracy throughout the investigation law enforcement agents intercepted numerous phone calls in which the conspiracy members discussed trafficking what was in total multiple pounds of methamphetamine.adButlerLazyLoad("3050903454465418490",100,["707873","707873","707873"],"177037"); “During my 2016 campaign for Sheriff I emphasized the importance of fostering strong working relationships with other agencies as a cornerstone of enhancing safety in Poinsett County,” said Poinsett County Sheriff Kevin Molder “Today’s operation serves as a testament to the vital role of collaboration in achieving a safer community I remain committed to partnering with all organizations to ensure our collective success in this endeavor.” Molder and Greene County Sheriff Brad Snyder both confirmed at least some of those arrested were being held in the Greene County Jail at Paragould although online jail records did not reflect the inmates “typically with federal prisoners we are not allowed to list them online.” “The arrests of these defendants continue to show the commitment of our federal and local law enforcement partners as well as the U.S Attorney’s Office to focus on making our communities better,” stated United States Attorney Ross “Through the collaborative efforts of these law enforcement agencies we were able to make a significant impact in getting these violent drug traffickers out of the community.”adButlerLazyLoad("1687800930477649324",100,["707873","707873","707873"],"177037"); “Ridding Arkansas communities of dangerous narcotics and violent criminals is a top priority for law enforcement across the state,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Alicia D “Today’s arrests demonstrate the FBI’s commitment to fostering safer communities for the citizens of Arkansas and we will continue to collaborate with our federal The investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF Those arrested today will be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Jerome T Kearney on Thursday.adButlerLazyLoad("1974617726105206960",100,["707873","707873","707873"],"177037"); Today’s arrests are the result of a joint investigation between the FBI; the Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S Marshals Service; ICE; Arkansas State Police; the Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office; Trumann Police Department; Jonesboro Police Department; Craighead County Sheriff’s Office; Marion Police Department; West Memphis Police Department; Blytheville Police Department; the Arkansas Second Judicial Drug Task Force; and the Arkansas National Guard Counter Drug Task Force The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Eldridge A routine traffic stop near the intersection of East Nettleton Avenue and Stevens Street led to felony drug charges and a $500,000 bond for a Jonesboro woman already out on bond for a separate drug-related offense Hope Found of Northeast Arkansas is inviting the community to ride against human trafficking in June with its annual outdoor event breeds and sizes are available through area animal rescues and shelters as well as opportunities to help homeless animals through foster programs and help with fundraisers and other family-friendly activities The most outstanding graduating students in the College of Liberal Arts and Communication were recognized during Arkansas State University’s Convocation of Scholars ARDOT will host a public involvement meeting on Thursday to discuss the proposed widening of Highway 91 west of County Road 132 to West Parker Road in Jonesboro Be sure you have your GPS enabled and try again Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInTRUMANN (KAIT) - Firefighters in Trumann moved into a brand-new home that includes upgrades and a larger facility to better serve citizens The new station is built to new code standards and has new systems to help firefighters and those in need It has been over 4 years since the 20 Trumann firefighters have had a place to call home Construction of Station 1 began over a year ago Now it houses all the trucks and is staffed 24 hours a day “This process was a long go and I hope to never do it again,” said Fire Chief Revis Kemper Kemper said one of the best upgrades is to the quality of life The full-time firefighters were given a better sleeping arrangement “Now they have their own bed with their own mattress and bedding all 7 of my guys that had to work 24/7 were sleeping in the same bed,” said Kemper What about the fire station on the north side of town Kemper said it will be used to store equipment we have equipment on that side of town to respond to fires and stuff but it will not be manned 24 hours a day,” Kemper said we could man it during the working hours of the day.” To report a typo or correction, please click here