PINE BLUFF (Ark.) — A multi-agency drug bust in Pine Bluff Friday night ended with eight people arrested.
Investigators went to the 2100 block of West 23rd Avenue and 23 block of Spruce Street in Pine Bluff where Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team along with Pine Bluff Vice & Narcotics Unit executed two search warrants simultaneously. During the searches, investigators located approximately 8 grams of suspected crack cocaine. Investigators estimated the total street value of the illegal substances to be worth approximately $8,000.00. Also located during the search were 2 pistols, 1 stolen revolver, 2 assault rifles, and $2,610.00 in cash.
Authorities arrested Kedrick Johnson, 35; Ashton Jackson, 32; Kendall Moore, 30; Andre Heard, 40; Hasheem Packard, 24; Trekenya Marshall, 34; Jackie Gibson, 50 and Tia O’Neal, 23, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. They were arrested and charged with 1 count of possession of a controlled substance; 1 count of possession of a controlled substance; 1 count of possession of a controlled substance with purpose; possession of firearm by certain person and theft by receiving; simultaneous of drugs and firearms, 1 count of possession of a controlled substance with purpose, active felony warrant arrest; misdemeanor warrant arrest; possession of firearm by certain person, 1 count of possession of a controlled substance; misdemeanor warrant arrest respectively.
"We all know that the drug epidemic here in our city and county is a serious one but one that we all remain committed to fighting. We as a law enforcement agency also recognize that we are a long way from winning the war on drugs but its winning fights like this that result in multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal weapons that keep us fighting to rid this community of illegal drugs and the individuals that distribute them," Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Operations Commander & Spokesman, Major Lafayette Woods, Jr. said.
The raid involved dozens of law enforcement officers from the Tri-County Drug Task Force, Pine Bluff Vice & Narcotics Unit, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Pine Bluff Police Department following several weeks of undercover investigations led by Acting Tri-County Drug Task Force Commander, Lieutenant Yohance Brunson.
All eight people arrested were transported to the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center and held until their initial appearance or until a bond can be set.