NEWPORT -- Authorities with several law enforcement agencies arrested 12 people after a year-long undercover investigation of drug trafficking in several counties, 3rd Judicial Circuit Prosecuting Attorney Henry Boyce said.
The investigation, called "Operation Ice House," targeted dealers of methamphetamine, cocaine and prescription medication, Boyce said in a news release.
The 12 people -- residents in Batesville, Diaz, Newark and Newport -- were charged with various counts of delivery of methamphetamine, cocaine, hydrocodone and alprazolam, all felonies.
The investigation involved 43 law enforcement officers under the lead of the Third Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force, which is composed of Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph and Sharp counties and is overseen by Boyce and county sheriffs in the district.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Arkansas State Police; Newport Police Department; Army National Guard; and Alcoholic Beverage Control participated in the investigation, Boyce said.
State Desk on 05/25/2015