Trial set for 6 drug-case defendants

LITTLE ROCK — A federal judge has set a trial date for a half-dozen defendants charged with being part of a Mexican drug cartel.

The suspects are to be tried Feb. 24. They are among 16 people accused of being connected to Idalia Ramos Rangel, who is accused of being a high-ranking cartel member. Authorities are still looking for Rangel, who is named in the indictment. The trial date was set in a Thursday order.

Those facing trial in February are Mervin Johnson, Dwatney Noid, Dwight McLittle, Shanieka Tatum, Lamont Williams and Tarvars Honorable. Each is charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and other charges.

Prosecutors say the alleged drug-trafficking organization is responsible for hundreds of pounds of cocaine that were distributed in Arkansas and elsewhere across the United States.