Authorities made the largest methamphetamine seizure in Independence County history on Friday, according to a release from the Batesville Police Department.
Narcotics Investigator Dillon Sallas said investigators had been investigating and conducting surveillance on a group suspected of bringing a large amount of meth into Batesville over the course of three months. Sallas said as a result of those efforts, officers determined the route and destination of the large quantity of illegal drugs.
On Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, officers were able to intercept a vehicle at a local motel parking lot. As a result, 24 pounds of meth were discovered and seized. According to the BPD release, it is the largest meth bust in the county’s history.
Sallas said prior events and arrests showed a great deal of the traffic is from the south, and then makes its way into Batesville.
Sallas said events over the last 10 months have led to the seizures of large amounts of meth since March of last year. He said those arrests resulted in over 42 pounds of meth seized inside the city of Batesville — a street value of over $1,000,000.
Taken into custody and placed on investigative hold was Gustavo Mendiola (pictured), 34, of Arizona. Sallas told White River Now’s Gary Bridgman Monday morning that he expects Mendiola will face federal charges.
Sallas noted that the Arkansas State Police, the Independence County Sheriff’s Department, and the 16th Judicial Drug Task Force have all assisted in these efforts.
Image via Independence County Sheriff’s Department
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