TRUMANN, Ark. — In what is being called one of the largest drug busts in the history of northeastern Arkansas, federal authorities have indicted 21 individuals involved in a significant methamphetamine trafficking operation. The arrests, which took place on Tuesday, involved the FBI and local law enforcement in Trumann and Marked Tree, both located in Poinsett County.
The investigation, led by the FBI, uncovered a large-scale meth distribution network in the region, which has long struggled with a lack of resources to help combat drug addiction. The operation, authorities say, was led by three men: Reginald Hendrix (53), Dewayne Morris (36), and Jack Brown (58). These individuals were identified as the primary ringleaders of the methamphetamine operation.
While one individual was already in custody, the FBI reported that 17 people were arrested on drug-related charges during the bust. Three additional co-conspirators are believed to be living outside of the area and are still at large.
Residents in Poinsett County expressed relief at the arrests, with many acknowledging the damaging effect that drugs have had on their small communities. “I’m really glad because you have other people to worry about, the ones they’re selling stuff to, that’s no good,” said local resident Charles Malone. Others emphasized the need to protect children and families from the influence of drugs in such a tight-knit area.
Trumann and Marked Tree have faced severe challenges related to substance abuse, with Poinsett County having the second-highest number of drug overdoses in Arkansas. Heather Shrader, director of the Stepping Stone Sanctuary, a homeless shelter in Trumann, highlighted the mental health issues that often accompany addiction. “When you don’t have access to the mental health components… self-medication begins, and it’s so difficult to break,” she said.
Although the Stepping Stone Sanctuary does not specifically treat addiction, it houses several individuals affected by drug abuse. Richard Curtis, a recent guest at the shelter, shared his experience with methamphetamine addiction, which left him homeless. Curtis, now 45 days sober, expressed gratitude for the shelter and the support he has received. “If I hadn’t been doing what I was doing, I wouldn’t have to worry about being homeless and wouldn’t have had to worry about losing my job,” Curtis reflected.
The arrested individuals are scheduled to be arraigned before a federal judge on Thursday. In a statement, U.S. Attorney Ross emphasized the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement to improve community safety. “Through the collaborative efforts of these law enforcement agencies, we were able to make a significant impact in getting these violent drug traffickers out of the community,” Ross said.
