A Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) task force disrupted a major drug trafficking ring in Northwest Arkansas following Operation Edged Spear, Aug. 4-6.
The operation, led by HIS’s New Orleans High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force, culminated in 29 federal and state arrests, the seizure of multiple firearms, cash, and controlled substances including fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana and opioids.
Beginning in 2017, special agents and task force officers assigned to the HSI Fayetteville HIDTA task force have been investigating drug and weapons trafficking, and money laundering activities in Northwest Arkansas. The individuals arrested during Edged Spear will be prosecuted in the Western District of Arkansas for violations of 21 U.S. Code 841 and 846, possession and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
The investigation was performed with assistance of HSI HIDTA task force officers with participation from the Eureka Springs, Berryville and Green Forest Police Depts., the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and numerous neighboring agencies.