Drug activity in the Arkansas County of Crawford has reportedly been a concern of the mayor of Mulberry for some time. Following meetings with authorities such as state and local police and the County Prosecutor, a plan was devised to take action against alleged drug crimes involving supposed dealers and users in the area. The enforcement team also included the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and a K9 unit.
On a recent Saturday, the task force conducted searches at several premises and made multiple arrests and followed this up with more action on the following Monday. Over that period, 16 suspects were arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges. The charges included drug possession, paraphernalia possession and intent to manufacture. Additional arrests were made when one person was found to be in possession of a firearm, and five others were suspected of distributing methamphetamines.
The mayor said more enforcement action will take place in the future. Residents who are facing charges related to possession or dealing of drugs may need assistance in protecting their rights and in limiting the damaging effect such charges could have on their lives. Legal counsel for each defendant will scrutinize the investigation and arrest record to identify potential claims to address before the criminal court judge presiding over the proceedings and to assist in preparing a focused defense against the charges.
If any evidence of wrongdoing by law enforcement personnel exists, it will be addressed as part of the defense strategy. If the gathered evidence suggests that the constitutional rights of a defendant were violated, the charges might even be dismissed. In some instances, exposed weaknesses in the prosecution’s case may spur an offer of plea agreement for consideration. Professional assistance will provide those facing Arkansas drug crimes the best chance of successfully defending the charges they are facing.
Source: swtimes.com, “Mulberry, Area Agencies Make Drug Arrests”, Stacy Ryburn, Feb. 13, 2015