ARKANSAS, USA — Arkansas State Police (ASP) says that the organization seized more than 11,000 pounds of illegal drugs in 2023, an increase from 2022.
A Feb. 2 release from ASP says that in 2023 it saw "a significant rise in illegal drug seizures during traffic stops compared to the previous year." ASP's Interstate Criminal Patrol identified 138 significant seizures in 2023.
The following details were provided in ASP's release:
- Cocaine seizures increased, with a total of 353 pounds confiscated in 2023, a street value of more than $15 million. That is a 146% increase from 2022, which saw only 143.35 pounds of cocaine seized. ASP's largest cocaine seizure was in Lonoke County, when a search of a truck hauling a track hoe yielded 146 pounds of cocaine.
- Illegal marijuana seizures increased, with 10,386 pounds seized in 2023 compared to 8,015 in 2022. Seven out of the top ten marijuana seizures last year came out of Crawford County, with the largest confiscation from a traffic stop on I-40, which yielded 939 pounds and 141 pounds of THC products. ASP says that another notable seizure as during a traffic stop in Lonoke County yielded 869 pounds of marijuana worth more than $3.6 million.
- Fentanyl seizures were down to 46 pounds in 2023 from 65 pounds in 2022. ASP says that, during one traffic stop, 50,000 fentanyl pills were seized with a value of over $2 million.
- Cash seized increased from 2022 to 2023, with over $1.4 million confiscated in 2023 over $996,000 in 2022.
- ASP and Arkansas Tobacco Control seized an "unprecedented" number of illegal cigarettes, with one seizure yielding 32,671 packs of untaxed cigarettes worth more than $311,000.
- Other illegal substances seized by ASP in 2023 include psilocybin mushrooms, black tar heroin, promethazine, methamphetamine, Xanax, Hydrocodone, and Ketamine.
- 21 illegal weapons were seized.
ASP's release explains that seized drugs are analyzed by the Arkansas State Crime Lab, stored during prosecution, then transported to an incinerator for disposal after the cases are closed, while seized weapons are destroyed, later used by law enforcement, or sold at public auction.
Seized cash goes to prosecuting attorney in the jurisdiction where it was seized, and the prosecuting attorney decides where it is distributed. ASP says that sometimes the money is shared between multiple agencies, and that ASP uses funds it receives for equipment and training.
Additionally, 20% of seized funds goes to the United States Marshals Service if it is a federal forfeiture.
“These substantial seizures should serve as a powerful warning to anyone engaged in unlawful activities on Arkansas highways,” said ASP Col. Mike Hagar. “State Police will remain vigilant and committed to keeping the roads safe for law-abiding citizens.”
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