On May 19, 2025, an Arkansas State Police Trooper stopped a tractor-trailer on Interstate 40, leading to a significant drug seizure. The trooper discovered four boxes in the truck’s cab containing 15 kilograms of Fentanyl and 35 kilograms of cocaine.
ASP Col. Mike Hagar highlighted the impact of removing over 36 pounds of Fentanyl, equivalent to about 150,000 lethal doses, from the community, emphasizing the importance of such actions in protecting public safety.
”Removing over 36 pounds of Fentanyl from our communities will save an untold number of lives. This seizure amounts to around 150,000 lethal doses taken off the streets,” said ASP Col. Mike Hagar. “Our top priority is protecting the lives of Arkansans. Seizures like this should serve as a warning to anyone transporting illicit narcotics along our interstates and highways. State Police will remain vigilant and committed to keeping the roads safe for law-abiding citizens.”
The driver, Claude Bell, 56, from California, was charged with multiple counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute both cocaine and Fentanyl.
Bell is currently in the custody of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and will face charges in the U.S. Eastern District federal court in Little Rock. He reported that he was traveling from Los Angeles to Memphis.
This incident underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and ensure the safety of the community.
