The 9th East Judicial District Drug Task Force/Group 6 NEU has been in continuous operation since 1991 serving local communities and providing investigative assistance to local, state and federal agencies as needed.
Through the fiscal year from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, the task force opened 436 new cases and closed 272 cases. Those cases involved the seizures of over 2 pounds of methamphetamine ICE, almost 70 pounds of cocaine, 27 pounds of marijuana, 4 pounds of Kratom, 59 ecstasy tablets and numerous other substances including LSD, K-2, mushrooms and many illegal THC products.
There were also 43 weapons taken from the hands of offenders, three of which were found to be stolen.
The opioid crisis continues to plague our country, and the task force was responsible for seizing 312 illegal prescription pills, 164 of which were opioids and 4.5 grams of fentanyl. Fentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid substance that, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency, can lead to a fatal overdoes from only .2 milligrams — equal to about 10-12 grains of salt.
The amount seized in Group 6’s regional jurisdiction could have potentially caused over 21,000 overdoses.
“As we begin our new year, we look forward to continuing to offer the same high level of service and want to express our appreciation for the high level of support and cooperation we continue to receive from partnering agencies and citizens,” Group 6 said in a press release.
There are numerous resources available to help with education and or assistance regarding substance addiction/abuse. If you or someone you know wishes to learn more or needs assistance, consider the information below:
Visit artakeback.org
Call the National Drug Addiction Help Line at 1-800-644-HELP
Arkansans can dial 211 or call 866-489-6983 to be connected at no cost to critical health and human services including substance abuse.