16th Judicial District Drug Task Force seizes more than 250 pounds of drugs

A joint drug investigation in Independence County has led to the seizure of more than 250 pounds of prescription drugs and suspected fentanyl and the pursuit of multiple felony charges against two people, according to a law enforcement news release.

The 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force said it launched an investigation Jan. 28 into Susan A. Martin, 62, and Venus Ann Donahue, 56, both of Batesville, alleging they were trafficking large quantities of prescription drugs and suspected fentanyl in the county. With assistance from the Batesville Police Department and the Independence County Sheriff’s Office, investigators executed search warrants at the residences of both individuals, the release said.

During the searches, officers seized more than 250 pounds of prescription medications and suspected fentanyl, according to the release.

As a result of the investigation, charges are being filed with the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors are seeking multiple Class Y felony trafficking charges against Donahue, including trafficking Schedule II narcotics such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, Adderall, amphetamine, and carisoprodol, as well as trafficking a Schedule IV narcotic, alprazolam. Donahue also faces a Class C felony charge of maintaining a drug premises, the release said.

Martin is facing Class Y felony charges for trafficking Schedule II narcotics, including Adderall and OxyContin, along with a Class D felony charge of possessing less than two grams of methamphetamine, according to the release.

The investigation remains ongoing. Law enforcement officials warned in the release that suspected counterfeit fentanyl pills pose a serious public safety risk because of their potency and the increased likelihood of overdose.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

From left: Venus Ann Donahue, Susan A. Martin

Images: Independence County Sheriff’s Office