Editor's Note: The attached video is from a report in February 2020.
In an investigation named Operation Wagon Wheel Takedown, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) led several state and local law enforcement agencies in the arrest of 13 suspects, with 7 still on the run for drug trafficking in central Arkansas.
The operation targeted members of a reported "drug-trafficking organization" led by 33-year-old Britney Allen of Jacksonville, who was named by officials in a press release announcing the operation on Tuesday.
Members of the organization led by Allen were "responsible for the distribution of multiple kilograms of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine in central Arkansas," according to a spokesperson for the US district attorney involved with the case.
There are 20 other defendants involved, 13 of whom were arrested early Tuesday morning. The seven other suspects are considered fugitives.
The organization is alleged to be led by Britney Allen, 33, of Jacksonville.
Twenty other defendants alleged to be part of Allen’s organization. Law enforcement officers arrested 13 individuals in the early morning hours and served an arrest warrant Tuesday on one defendant already in state custody. Seven defendants are currently considered fugitiveS
Operation Wagon Wheel Takedown utilized court-authorized wiretaps to intercept hundreds of drug-trafficking calls, mostly involving Allen, officials said.
During the operation, including the arrests, more than 10 kilograms of methamphetamine and multiple ounces of heroin and cocaine were seized, along with more than $50,000.
“This operation has taken 21 drug dealers off the streets of our communities,” stated Cody Hiland, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
Allen was also reportedly receiving methamphetamine through the mail, according to the press release. The DEA and United States Postal Service found "numerous suspected drug packages being sent through the mail and recovered more than three pounds of methamphetamine."
In all, the 21 defendants are named in 48 different counts.
Local law enforcement and public agencies that were involved include the North Little Rock Police Department, and United States Postal Service, with assistance from the Sherwood Police Department, Jacksonville Police Department, Conway Police Department, Pulaski County Sherriff’s Office, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Department of Community Corrections, Beebe Police Department, Saline County Sheriff’s Office, and the 14th Judicial Drug Task Force.