Little Rock, Arkansas – Authorities in central Arkansas have dismantled a large-scale drug trafficking operation responsible for distributing significant quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine throughout the region. Twenty-seven individuals are now in custody following a coordinated law enforcement operation in Pulaski County. The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation targeting narcotics distribution and illegal firearm possession.
Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and Warner Benson, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Little Rock Field Office, announced the arrests, which were carried out as part of a federal superseding indictment unsealed yesterday.
Key Figures in the Operation
The drug distribution network is allegedly led by Eric Dillard, 44, and Jimmie McDaniels, 49, both of Little Rock. Dillard was already in federal custody due to a prior indictment filed on September 11, 2024. The superseding indictment, issued by a federal grand jury on March 4, 2025, charges 29 defendants with a series of drug and firearm-related crimes, including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, as well as illegal possession of firearms in connection with drug trafficking. Six individuals are also facing money laundering charges for their role in disguising the proceeds of the drug trade.
“The lethality of fentanyl requires our continued resolve to prioritize these types of investigations,” said U.S. Attorney Ross. “We will also keep our focus on other deadly drugs such as methamphetamine, which remains the most abused drug in our state, and cocaine, both of which were involved in this case.”
A Large-Scale Investigation Yields Results
This operation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation that began in September 2023. Law enforcement agencies involved in the effort conducted numerous controlled purchases of fentanyl, seized 19 firearms, and recovered approximately a pound of fentanyl. Investigators believe the organization trafficked hundreds of pounds of fentanyl into Arkansas communities.
As part of the investigation, agents intercepted numerous phone calls in which members of the conspiracy discussed drug trafficking operations and money laundering strategies. More than $100,000 in illegal proceeds was seized by law enforcement during the course of the operation.
“This morning’s arrest operation represents a significant blow to a criminal network that was flooding our communities with deadly fentanyl,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Warner Benson. “Along with our federal, state, and local partners, we are committed to dismantling these organizations and protecting the citizens of Central Arkansas from the devastating consequences of drug trafficking.”
Multi-Agency Collaboration Leads to Success
The investigation was led by the DEA in collaboration with numerous law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. The agencies involved in yesterday’s arrests include the DEA Little Rock District Office, DEA New Orleans Field Division, DEA Houston, FBI, U.S. Marshal Service, North Little Rock Police Department, Arkansas State Police, Sherwood Police Department, Cabot Police Department, Arkansas Community Corrections, Central Arkansas Drug Task Force, Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, U.S. Postal Service, and the Arkansas National Guard Counter Drug Task Force.
Those arrested will be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Jerome T. Kearney on Thursday. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Eldridge.
This effort is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation, which seeks to identify, disrupt, and dismantle high-level criminal organizations that pose a significant threat to the United States. The OCDETF initiative relies on intelligence-driven investigations and interagency cooperation to achieve its mission. More information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the arrests mark a major step in dismantling a dangerous drug distribution network that has had a devastating impact on Arkansas communities. With fentanyl overdoses on the rise, authorities remain committed to targeting those who profit from trafficking deadly substances and ensuring they are held accountable for their crimes.
