3 facing drug charges in state’s NW

FAYETTEVILLE — Police arrested three people in connection with drug trafficking in Springdale and Fayetteville.

James Thomas, 32, of Bella Vista; Dervin Foster, 30, of 540 N. 11th St. in Muskogee, Okla.; and Stefanie Emarthle, 37, of 1540 S. 68th E. Ave. in Tulsa were arrested Friday, according to a news release from the Fayetteville Police Department.

Police said all three were arrested in connection with trafficking a controlled substance (methamphetamine), simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Detectives with the 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force arrested Thomas at the Fairfield Inn, 1043 Reiff St., in Springdale.

Thomas was wanted on a felony parole warrant. Detectives found a half-pound of methamphetamine, a glass pipe and some plastic bags in his room, according to the release.

The investigation led detectives to the La Quinta Inn & Suites, 720 E. Millsap Road, in Fayetteville.

Detectives stopped a vehicle as it was leaving the motel, the release said. Foster and Emarthle were in the car and refused to consent to a search of the vehicle. After a police dog alerted to the presence of drugs in the car, officers searched and found 4½ pounds of meth in a bag in the back seat, $6,100 in cash and a loaded .40-caliber handgun under the seat.

Detectives found another 2 pounds of meth and about $4,900 in a La Quinta room, the release said.

The investigation is continuing.