Antone Nicklaus Costa, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Arkansas 2019

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - A Hot Springs man's reign of terror has come to an end, as Antone Nicklaus Costa, a 42-year-old resident, was sentenced to 211 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in a string of methamphetamine-related offenses.

According to the investigation, Costa was at the center of a methamphetamine distribution ring in the Garland County area, with agents from the Arkansas State Police and detectives from the 18th East Judicial Drug Task Force working tirelessly to bring him to justice.

Between June 20, 2019, and July 23, 2019, law enforcement officers conducted several controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Costa, further solidifying their case against him. On September 16, 2019, an Arkansas State Police Trooper made a traffic stop on Costa, taking him into custody and uncovering a stash of 4 grams of methamphetamine, 29 suspected Clonazapam tablets, and $823 in U.S. currency.

A search of Costa's residence revealed a stolen .45 caliber handgun, an additional handgun, ammunition, and multiple empty baggies, further highlighting the extent of his illicit activities. Costa's possession of a loaded 9mm handgun during the traffic stop only added to the severity of his charges.

U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement, highlighting the importance of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program in combating violent crime. The 18th East Judicial Drug Task Force and the Arkansas State Police investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Harris and Kim Harris handling the prosecution.

This case was prosecuted as part of PSN, a program that brings together law enforcement and the community to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. The investigation and prosecution of Costa serve as a testament to the effectiveness of this program in tackling methamphetamine trafficking and related offenses.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdar/pr/hot-springs-man-sentenced-over-17-years-federal-prison-drug-trafficking-and-firearms