Law enforcement officials seized 11 pounds of methamphetamine and arrested a suspect during a drug operation conducted by the 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force in Cleburne County on Friday, March 28, 2025.
According to a release from 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force Commander Johhny Byler, the operation, a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, was executed with assistance from the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office, Sharp County Sheriff’s Office, Concord Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspectors, the 3rd Drug Task Force, and the Batesville Police Department. Officials say the coordinated approach underscores an ongoing effort to combat drug trafficking in the region.
Authorities carried out a search warrant at a residence in Cleburne County as part of the investigation. During the search, the release said an individual named Fernando Cervantes-Rosales (pictured), 25, of Batesville, was taken into custody, and authorities discovered a large quantity of methamphetamine in his possession. The operation was the culmination of an extensive undercover investigation aimed at disrupting local drug distribution networks.
Formal charges against Cervantes-Rosales will be presented to the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney. He is facing one count of trafficking methamphetamine exceeding 200 grams, a Class Y felony, the most serious classification of a felony under Arkansas law. His bond has been set at $700,000.
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