Three individuals, one of whom is believed to be a ranking member of the white nationalist Aryan Brotherhood organization, were arrested for alleged drug trafficking in Garland County, according to local sources. Arkansas authorities have charged the trio with drug crimes following the execution of a search warrant of a couple’s residence and the third woman’s vehicle. These arrests come at the end of a months-long investigation into their alleged activities.
According to drug task force operatives and the prosecuting attorney, the investigation began in Dec. 2018 after it was suspected that the 54-year-old man and his 35-year-old female partner were engaged in distributing methamphetamines and firearms in the Hot Springs area. The prosecution has claimed that confidential informants were used to make controlled purchases of large quantities of meth and guns over this period. A second woman was also implicated in these purchases after a traffic stop in early February reportedly revealed her vehicle to contain portions of what is believed to be meth.
All three are now facing serious charges, including trafficking a controlled substance, possession of drugs and firearms, as well as multiple smaller charges. If they are convicted, all three could spend the rest of their lives in prison. The Drug Task Force responsible for their arrests was assisted by federal entities, including U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.
Drug crimes of this severity are handled harshly both here in Arkansas and throughout the United States. However, investigation into these sorts of activities must be handled delicately in order to ensure any evidence gathered is admissible in court. Each of the accused individuals will be represented by separate criminal defense counsel, who will work to protect their innocence and ensure their rights are observed throughout the trial process.