CCSO arrests 14 on drug charges

The Carroll County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) has arrested 14 persons in connection with a county-wide, 11-month narcotics investigation.

In a Nov. 25 press release, CCSO stated that 26 arrest warrants were issued, and the arrests were a joint effort with the Berryville and Green Forest Police Departments.

The state police brought in a confidential informant about one year ago, and Green Forest Police Chief John Bailey assisted with starting the investigation.

Investigator J.J. Reddick came on board with the CCSO in January, working directly with Bailey in an effort to slow the county's drug problem, the press release stated.

Carroll County Drug Funds were used in the investigation, and many hours were spent putting it together.

There are still outstanding warrants for arrests, which CCSO hopes to make in the near future. The arrests stem from delivery of controlled substances of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine and prescription medication including morphine and hydrocodone.

The majority of the deliveries fell within 1,000 feet of certain facilities, namely churches or schools, which enhances the penalties upon conviction.

Also during the 11-month investigation, four methamphetamine labs were seized with five arrests, and five narcotics-involved vehicles were seized.