California Man Arrested In Arkansas With Over 100 Pounds Of Fentanyl And Cocaine In Truck

Arkansas State Police say a California man is facing more than 40 charges after troopers discovered more than 100 pounds of narcotics during a traffic stop this week.

At around 1:45 p.m. on Monday, an Arkansas State Police Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a tractor-trailer on Interstate 40 near mile marker 75, near Russellville. In the cab of the truck, the trooper discovered four boxes containing 15 kilograms (about 33 pounds) of fentanyl and 35 kilograms (about 77 pounds) of cocaine.

The driver, identified as 56-year-old Claude Bell of California, told authorities he was traveling from Los Angeles to Memphis, Tenn.

“Removing over 36 pounds of Fentanyl from our communities will save an untold number of lives. This seizure amounts to around 150,000 lethal doses taken off the streets,” ASP Col. Mike Hagar said in a statement. “Our top priority is protecting the lives of Arkansans. Seizures like this should serve as a warning to anyone transporting illicit narcotics along our interstates and highways. State Police will remain vigilant and committed to keeping the roads safe for law-abiding citizens.”

Bell was charged with 21 counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 21 counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and was turned over to U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration custody. He will face federal charges in U.S. Eastern District federal court in Little Rock.