“Our neighborhoods deserve to exist without fear and intimidation inflicted by violent drug gangs. “The damage caused by drugs and violence affects everyone across the nation, including here in the Eastern District of Arkansas,” DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Justin King said. The defendants include multiple individuals who have previously been convicted of state felonies, including prior convictions for drug trafficking or firearm possession. In all, the 21 defendants are named in 48 different counts. The DEA coordinated with numerous local police agencies to adopt state charges into the overarching federal case. Officers also executed search warrants at various houses alleged to be used by Allen and his associates to house and distribute drugs. Attorney’s Office in addition to partnering federal and local agencies.” These arrests represent a commitment to safeguarding the Postal Service and its customers, and we appreciate the excellent work by the U.S. Mail in the course of their criminal activities. “Postal Inspectors are committed to disrupting the activities of those who use the U.S. “The Postal Inspection Service will spare no effort to disrupt criminal enterprises and present those involved for prosecution,” said Ketty Larco, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Fort Worth Division. The DEA and United States Postal Service identified numerous suspected drug packages being sent through the mail and recovered more than three pounds of methamphetamine. In addition, during the investigation officers discovered Allen was acquiring methamphetamine through the mail. We will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to keep our district safe from the violence that accompanies drug trafficking.” “Drugs and violence go hand in hand, and removing firearms from these offenders is a major step towards creating a safer community. “This operation has taken 21 drug dealers off the streets of our communities,” stated Cody Hiland, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. At least eight firearms have also been recovered from the organization.ĭuring arrest operations Tuesday morning, agents recovered several more ounces of methamphetamine and cocaine and approximately an additional $10,000 in suspected drug proceeds. More than 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, and multiple ounces of heroin and cocaine have been seized, along with more than $50,000. Numerous seizures following local police arrests occurred as well. Law enforcement officers, including DEA agents and several local police departments, conducted more than 10 controlled purchases of methamphetamine or heroin. During the course of the investigation, which began in 2019, the DEA utilized court-authorized wiretaps to intercept hundreds of drug-trafficking calls, primarily involving Allen. This investigation, named Operation Wagon Wheel, was the result of several law enforcement agencies, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), attacking the drug-trafficking organization on multiple fronts. Seven defendants are currently considered fugitives (see defendant list). Law enforcement officers arrested 13 individuals in the early morning hours and served an arrest warrant Tuesday on one defendant already in state custody. The indictment, which was returned by a Grand Jury on September 11, 2020, and unsealed today, named 20 other defendants alleged to be part of Allen’s organization. The organization is alleged to be led by Britney Allen, 33, of Jacksonville. 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.
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