Arkansas – Arkansas State Police reported a significant rise in illegal drug seizures during traffic stops in 2024, largely due to the efforts of the Interstate Criminal Patrol.
Marijuana seizures increased by approximately 50%, with more than 15,000 pounds confiscated compared to just over 10,000 pounds in 2023. Cash seizures more than doubled, rising from $1.4 million in 2023 to $3.3 million in 2024. Methamphetamine seizures saw a sharp increase from 56 pounds in 2023 to 509 pounds in 2024.
Cocaine and fentanyl seizures decreased, with cocaine dropping from 353 pounds in 2023 to 254 pounds in 2024, and fentanyl declining from 46 pounds to 6.9 pounds.
ICP also confiscated 44 weapons, up from 21 in 2023. Additional seizures included 89 pounds of THC wax, 13,000 illegal prescription pills, 105 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms, 201 bottles of promethazine, 3,719 THC vapes, and 20 vehicles.
ASP K9 teams were deployed 187 times, leading to the detection of 4,915 pounds of illegal marijuana, over 17 pounds of cocaine, 150 pounds of methamphetamine, 914 pounds of other narcotics, and $1.2 million in cash.
ASP Director Colonel Mike Hagar emphasized the agency’s commitment to public safety, stating, “We are delivering a powerful and unmistakable warning to anyone transporting illicit narcotics along our interstates and highways – We will catch you, and you will face the consequences.”