FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — An Arkansas man has been convicted by a federal jury for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
A release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Arkansas (WDAR) says that according to evidence presented at the trial, the Drug Enforcement Administration began an investigation into a drug trafficking ring responsible for distributing fentanyl in Fayetteville from May to June 2023.
Claude Dukes, 42, of Newport, was identified as a source of supply for fentanyl being distributed by co-conspirator Justin Ellis of Fayetteville.
Duke was accused of conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of a substance containing fentanyl.
"The pills distributed by this group contained fentanyl made or pressed to look like M-30 Oxycontin prescription pills. Dukes was found to be responsible for over 400 grams of fentanyl distributed in the conspiracy through his own conduct and the conduct of co-conspirators," the release said.
Dukes will be sentenced at a later date. WDAR says that conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of a substance containing fentanyl can carry a minimum 10-year sentence and a maximum of life in prison.
Ellis pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl in February 2024 and is also awaiting his sentencing.
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