LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas had a huge year when it came to getting illegal drugs off Arkansas highways.
Arkansas State Police in 2023 saw a huge rise in illegal drug seizures due to traffic stops compared to previous years. In all, there were 138 significant seizures in 2023.
Arkansas recovery community reacts to recent major drugs busts
ASP troopers seized more than 11,000 pounds of illegal drugs and $1.4 million from Arkansas highways in total.
“These substantial seizures should serve as a powerful warning to anyone engaged in unlawful activities on Arkansas highways,” said ASP Col. Mike Hagar. “State Police will remain vigilant and committed to keeping the roads safe for law-abiding citizens.”
The amount of cocaine seizures showed a huge increase, with a total of 353 pounds confiscated in 2023. The street value of the amount of the confiscated cocaine is more than $15 million. Those seizures represent a 146% increase from the 2022 seizure of 143.35 pounds of cocaine by ASP.
The second-highest seizure of illegal marijuana was in December of 2023.