Arkansas State Police Seize Over 775 Pounds of Narcotics in Traffic Stops

Multiple suspects arrested in recent weeks as troopers uncover large drug shipments across the state.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Arkansas State Police troopers have made a series of major drug busts in recent weeks, seizing over 775 pounds of illegal narcotics including marijuana, methamphetamine, and THC products during traffic stops across the state. Multiple suspects have been arrested and booked on felony drug charges.

Why it matters

These large-scale drug interdiction efforts by Arkansas State Police highlight the ongoing battle against the trafficking of illicit substances through the state. The seizures have taken significant quantities of dangerous drugs off the streets, though the persistence of such operations raises concerns about the scale of the drug trade in the region.

The details

The most recent stop occurred on February 17th when troopers pulled over a sedan on Interstate 40 and found 45 pounds of vacuum-sealed marijuana in the trunk. The day prior, troopers located a suspect with outstanding warrants from Tennessee and recovered 19 pounds of marijuana and two firearms, one stolen. On February 6th, a trooper discovered around 115 pounds of methamphetamine packed in boxes during a traffic stop on Interstate 30. The largest seizure came on January 29th when troopers found 600 pounds of marijuana and 15 boxes of THC products in a Sprinter van on Interstate 40.

  • On February 17, 2026, troopers seized 45 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop on Interstate 40 in Crawford County.
  • On February 16, 2026, troopers arrested a suspect with outstanding warrants and recovered 19 pounds of marijuana and two firearms, one stolen, in Crittenden County.
  • On February 6, 2026, troopers seized approximately 115 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop on Interstate 30 in Hot Spring County.
  • On January 29, 2026, troopers found 600 pounds of marijuana and 15 boxes of THC products in a Sprinter van on Interstate 40 near Carlisle.

The players

Jatorria Lewis

A passenger from Memphis who was arrested and booked into the Crawford County Detention Center on felony drug charges after the February 17th traffic stop.

Gevonte Brown

A 24-year-old from Memphis who was arrested and booked into the Crittenden County Detention Center on multiple felony charges after the February 16th incident.

Pedro Lorenzo Valdez

The 45-year-old driver arrested and booked into the Hot Spring County Detention Center on felony trafficking and related charges after the February 6th traffic stop.

Kemal Malicbegovic

The 44-year-old driver from Greensboro, North Carolina who was booked into the Lonoke County Sheriff's Detention Center on felony trafficking and possession of drug paraphernalia charges after the January 29th seizure.

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The takeaway

These major drug interdiction efforts by Arkansas State Police have resulted in the seizure of over 775 pounds of illegal narcotics, including large quantities of marijuana, methamphetamine, and THC products. The arrests of multiple suspects highlight the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region and the persistence of such operations, though the scale of the seizures raises concerns about the broader drug trade.