Garland County, AR – A major drug enforcement operation in Garland County led to the arrest of 51 individuals and the seizure of over $809,000 in narcotics, authorities reported Thursday. The operation, called “Operation Boots on the Ground,” targeted high- and mid-level drug dealers throughout the county.
Investigation and Arrests
The 18th Judicial District Drug Task Force conducted a long-term investigation involving multiple agencies, including:
- Hot Springs Police Department
- Garland County Sheriff’s Office
- Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
- Homeland Security Investigations
Officials said warrants are still outstanding, and additional arrests are expected. Several arrestees will face federal charges, and many were repeat offenders.
Narcotics and Property Seized
According to District Prosecutor Michelle Lawrence, the task force seized:
- $809,250 in narcotics
- $18,316 in drug sale proceeds
- 8 firearms
- 6.35 pounds of methamphetamine
- 27.88 pounds of marijuana and hashish
- 72 grams of cocaine
- 5 grams of fentanyl
- 173 grams of psilocybin mushrooms
- 13 grams of MDMA
- 103 grams of scheduled pharmaceutical pills
Additionally, the operation resulted in two misdemeanor arrests of individuals associated with the targeted suspects, according to KARK.
Collaborative Effort
The task force credited the success of the operation to collaboration with:
- DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)
- Homeland Security Investigations
- Arkansas Community Corrections
- Arkansas State Police
- Garland County Sheriff’s Office
- Hot Springs Police Department
District Prosecutor Lawrence noted that the operation’s name reflects the long hours investigators spent “putting boots on the ground” to track and apprehend suspects.
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