Three central Arkansas groups targeted in use of fentanyl

Several arrests related to the illegal use of fentanyl have been made this month in central Arkansas and have led to the dismantling of three drug-trafficking organizations, including one organization linked directly to two deaths, federal authorities announced Wednesday.

Cody Hiland, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, said during an afternoon news conference 15 people had been arrested Wednesday in the third major law enforcement operation to disrupt the flow of fentanyl.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used legally to treat severe pain. The drug is highly addictive and can be fatal.

Hiland said 49 people have been charged in the operations, and 3.5 pounds of fentanyl has been recovered. Two of the operations were led by the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration was in charge of the other one.

“I think it has become evident that this is a scourge in central Arkansas,” Hiland said.

Officials said they are still looking for eight people in connection with the latest operation.

Wednesday’s arrests were the result of an investigation into the Clifton Williams drug-trafficking organization, federal officials said, adding it has been linked to two overdose deaths. The investigation began in June 2018.

Officials said Williams and his associates, including members of the Piru Bloods gang, operated largely out of west Little Rock, where they did drug transactions at prominent retail locations. Hiland declined to name the retail areas because the investigation is ongoing.

FBI officials said a woman overdosed Aug. 30, 2018, on fentanyl supplied by Williams and was found dead at a motel in west Little Rock.

Officials said another individual died Oct. 18, 2018, of “fentanyl intoxication” after taking drugs supplied by Williams. Williams was arrested that same day and was found to be in possession of more than $25,000, a stolen firearm, 2 ounces of fentanyl and other contraband, authorities said.

“They will face charges of distributing a fatal amount of fentanyl,” Hiland said. “Unfortunately, we will probably see more of this.”

Seventeen people have been charged with being a part of what authorities called the Desmond Kelley drug-trafficking organization and face 37 counts that include federal drug and firearm offenses. Sixteen were in custody Wednesday afternoon, and officials identified Jamie Goff as the lone fugitive.

Kelley, 26, of Little Rock, already faced federal heroin charges, DEA officials said.

Officials said 500 grams of fentanyl, unknown amounts of heroin and methamphetamine, three firearms and more than $18,000 have been confiscated from the Kelley organization. The group also is responsible for the distribution of multiple kilograms of fentanyl, officials said.