Britney Allen, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Arkansas 2020

Central Arkansas Drug Organization Dismantled After Arrest Operation

LITTLE ROCK-A sweeping law-enforcement operation that involved numerous agencies and targeted members of a drug-trafficking organization responsible for the distribution of multiple kilograms of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine in central Arkansas resulted in more than a dozen arrests Tuesday morning.

The organization is alleged to be led by Britney Allen, 33, of Jacksonville. The indictment, which was returned by a Grand Jury on September 11, 2020, and unsealed today, named 20 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.

This investigation, named Operation Wagon Wheel, was the result of several law enforcement agencies, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), attacking the drug-trafficking organization on multiple fronts. During the course of the investigation, which began in 2019, the DEA utilized court-authorized wiretaps to intercept hundreds of drug-trafficking calls, primarily involving Allen. Law enforcement officers, including DEA agents and several local police departments, conducted more than 10 controlled purchases of methamphetamine or heroin. Numerous seizures following local police arrests occurred as well.

More than 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, and multiple ounces of heroin and cocaine have been seized, along with more than $50,000. At least eight firearms have also been recovered from the organization. During arrest operations Tuesday morning, agents recovered several more ounces of methamphetamine and cocaine and approximately an additional $10,000 in suspected drug proceeds.

“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. “Drugs and violence go hand in hand, and removing firearms from these offenders is a major step towards creating a safer community. We will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to keep our district safe from the violence that accompanies drug trafficking.”

In addition, during the investigation officers discovered Allen was acquiring methamphetamine through the mail. The DEA and United States Postal Service identified numerous suspected drug packages being sent through the mail and recovered more than three pounds of methamphetamine.

The defendants include multiple individuals who have previously been convicted of state felonies, including prior convictions for drug trafficking or firearm possession. “The damage caused by drugs and violence affects everyone across the nation, including here in the Eastern District of Arkansas,” DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Justin King said. “Our neighborhoods deserve to exist without fear and intimidation inflicted by violent drug gangs. The indictments and arrests of these individuals should be a warning to others who prey on the weak and defenseless.”

The indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, and other related charges. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cody Hiland and Karen Cornell.

Defendant: Britney Allen, 33, of Jacksonville, Arkansas

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, and other related charges

City and State: Little Rock, Arkansas

Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2020

Sentence or Outcome: Arrested and currently in custody

Dollar Amounts: More than $50,000, in addition to $10,000 recovered during arrest operations

Additional Information: The investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests are expected.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edar/pr/central-arkansas-drug-organization-dismantled-after-arrest-operation