Arkansas State Police Assist Corrections Department with Contraband Arrests at Prisons

Troopers from Troop E helped apprehend suspects trying to smuggle drugs, phones, and weapons into state facilities

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Within a one-month period, Arkansas State Police Troopers from Troop E assisted the Arkansas Department of Corrections with two separate incidents involving attempts to introduce contraband into state prison facilities. The first incident occurred on January 10th at the Cummins Unit, where individuals had thrown marijuana, methamphetamine, K2-soaked paper, and cellular phones over the prison fence. The second incident occurred on February 7th at the Tucker Unit, where ADC officers detained two individuals with a Glock pistol, multiple cellular phones, and bundles of tobacco, marijuana, and more phones.

Why it matters

The partnership between the Arkansas State Police and the Arkansas Department of Corrections is crucial for maintaining the security and safety of the state's prison system. Contraband smuggling poses serious risks, including the potential for violence, drug abuse, and disruption of correctional operations. These arrests demonstrate the agencies' commitment to working together to combat this ongoing challenge.

The details

In the January 10th incident at Cummins Unit, the suspects' vehicle became stuck in a nearby field after throwing the contraband over the fence, and one suspect was apprehended by troopers within 10 minutes. In the February 7th incident at Tucker Unit, ADC officers were able to block and detain the suspicious vehicle near the prison grounds, leading to the discovery of the Glock pistol, cellular phones, and bundles containing tobacco, marijuana, and more phones.

  • On January 10, 2026, the first incident occurred at the Cummins Unit in Lincoln County.
  • On February 7, 2026, the second incident occurred at the Tucker Unit in Jefferson County.

The players

Arkansas State Police Troop E

Troopers from the Arkansas State Police's Troop E division who assisted the Arkansas Department of Corrections with the contraband arrests.

Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC)

The state agency responsible for operating Arkansas's prison system, which worked with the Arkansas State Police on these contraband interdiction efforts.

Kendall Nicole Ezell

One of the two individuals detained in the February 7th incident at the Tucker Unit.

Samuel Pierre Moore Jr.

The second individual detained in the February 7th incident at the Tucker Unit, who had recently been released from ADC custody.

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What they’re saying

“The partnership between ADC and ASP is strong and will continue to result in swift enforcement action. ASP Troopers statewide will continue to support correctional operations and assist in maintaining the security of Arkansas prison facilities.”

— Col. Mike Hagar, Arkansas State Police (ktlo.com)

What’s next

The suspects from the February 7th incident at the Tucker Unit were transported to the W.C. 'Dub' Brassell Adult Detention Center and booked on charges related to the simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms.

The takeaway

The coordinated efforts between the Arkansas State Police and the Arkansas Department of Corrections demonstrate their commitment to combating the ongoing challenge of contraband smuggling into state prisons. These arrests highlight the importance of this partnership in maintaining the security and safety of the correctional system.