LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Nearly four dozen people have been arrested in what federal authorities say was the culmination of three investigations into a drug and firearms operation that stretched from central Arkansas to California and Texas.
Federal prosecutors in Little Rock said in a statement Wednesday a total of 80 people were indicted and 45 were arrested on weapons and drug trafficking charges.
The statement said weapons, including machine guns, cash, and drugs have been seized as part of the investigation.
Justice Department officials said the case was built on the work of Pine Bluff Police Detective Kevin Collins. Collins was shot and killed in October 2020 while serving an arrest warrant.
Prior to his death, Detective Collins was assisting FBI with intelligence related to the operation as well as surveillance, interviews, and arrests of individuals responsible for criminal activity in Pine Bluff.
The FBI conducted its operations with assistance from Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Department of Community Corrections, Little Rock Police Department, North Little Rock Police Department, Pine Bluff Police Department, and Jonesboro Police Department.
To read the official statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, click here.
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