CLINTON — More than 30 people have been indicted on federal charges tied to a large-scale methamphetamine ring uncovered in Clinton, authorities said Wednesday.
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas Christopher Thyer and Faulkner County Prosecuting Attorney Cody Hiland were among the officials on hand to announce the indictments at a news conference outside the Van Buren County Courthouse.
"Today, a major drug trafficking organization in Van Buren County was dismantled," Thyer said in a statement. "This organization put the citizens and children of Clinton and the surrounding community at risk every day. Through the efforts of law enforcement at all levels, we have brought federal charges against these drug-dealing criminals to get them off and keep them off the streets for years to come."
In all, 34 people were indicted on 45 counts, including drug trafficking and weapons charges.
During the 18-month investigation, which Hiland said began with a probe into a tire shop in Clinton, police seized or purchased more than 6 pounds of meth and seized more than 50 firearms. About 150 law enforcement officers were involved, he said.
The drug-dealing group is responsible for distributing or possessing more than 300 pounds of meth in all, which has an estimated street value of more than $4.5 million, Thyer said.
Read Thursday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for more on this story.
