Multi-Agency Investigation Leads to Hempstead County AR Drug Bust

A multi-agency drug investigation has led to the seizure of approximately 12 pounds of methamphetamine and the arrests of two men in Hempstead County this week.

On Wednesday, March 5, officers with the 8th North Drug Task Force, 8th South Drug Task Force, 9th West Drug Task Force, and the FBI executed a search warrant at a residence in Hope, Arkansas. Recovered at that location was methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $40,000.

Prince Thomas, 44, of Hope, was arrested on charges of methamphetamine trafficking. David Bentley, 60, of Nashville, Arkansas, was also taken into custody on a charge of conspiracy to commit trafficking. Both men were booked into the Hempstead County Detention Center and are awaiting their first court appearance.

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Gary Dorman, director of the 8th North Drug Task Force, credited the joint effort between local, state, and federal agencies for the success of the operation.

"The distribution of methamphetamine continues to be a serious threat to our communities, and we remain committed to holding traffickers accountable," Dorman said.

The 8th North Drug Task Force includes deputies for the Hempstead and Navada County Sheriff's Offices, along with officers from the Hope and Prescott Police Departments.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.