Arkansas

Arkansas officials target repeat fentanyl traffickers as counterfeit pill threat grows

Published

2 months ago

May 21, 2026

Arkansas officials target repeat fentanyl traffickers as counterfeit pill threat grows

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — A Russellville man’s federal prison sentence is highlighting Arkansas’ broader fight against repeat fentanyl traffickers as state and federal officials work to prevent counterfeit pills from causing more overdoses.

52-year-old Douglas Scott Reeves was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. Reeves will also serve eight years of supervised release.

Federal investigators said Reeves manufactured and sold fentanyl pills from his Russellville home between 2021 and 2023.

During a search of the home, officers found fentanyl, mushrooms and drug paraphernalia.

Court records show Reeves also had a prior federal drug conviction tied to methamphetamine manufacturing in 2013, raising concerns about repeat offenders continuing to traffic dangerous drugs in Arkansas communities.

In response to questions about how Arkansas is working to stop repeat fentanyl traffickers before counterfeit pills lead to more overdose deaths, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said the state is focusing on education, addiction recovery and coordinated law enforcement efforts.

“Arkansas is addressing the problem of illicit opioids on multiple fronts,” Griffin said in a statement.

“Through our One Pill Can Kill initiative, my office is educating college students about the dangers of fentanyl and taking counterfeit pills.”

Griffin said his office has also used opioid settlement funds to support organizations addressing addiction and recovery while working with federal, state and local agencies to target fentanyl trafficking operations.

Federal authorities said fentanyl remains Arkansas’ top drug threat, particularly as counterfeit pill production becomes more widespread and localized.

DEA New Orleans Division Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer said fentanyl continues to attract traffickers because of the low production cost and high profits.

“It’s so inexpensive to make the fentanyl that the profit margins are just huge,” Hofer said.

The DEA said traffickers are increasingly manufacturing counterfeit pills within Arkansas communities rather than transporting them from elsewhere.

In April, a DEA enforcement effort in Arkansas resulted in nearly 100 arrests and the seizure of more than 1,500 fentanyl pills, according to the agency.

But addiction and recovery leaders said arrests alone will not stop the crisis.

Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership Director Kirk Lane said long-term progress depends on treating addiction as a community issue instead of relying only on criminal enforcement.

“For a long time, addiction issues always became a criminal justice matter, and it never became a community matter,” Lane said.

Lane said opioid settlement funding is helping expand prevention, treatment and recovery programs across the state. He also said Narcan overdose reversal data helps officials identify areas seeing increases in fentanyl activity.

Despite a recent decline in overdose deaths nationwide, the DEA said fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing communities across the country.

Officials warn that as little as two milligrams of fentanyl, roughly the amount that can fit on the tip of a sharpened pencil, can be fatal.

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Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas waste district merger talks make progress with agreement on executive committee size | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Published

8 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Press Room

Northwest Arkansas waste district merger talks make progress with agreement on executive committee size | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC

Material from the Associated Press is Copyright © 2026, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. All rights reserved.

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Arkansas

Arkansas Lottery Cash 3, Cash 4 winning numbers for July 12, 2026

Published

21 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Press Room

The Arkansas Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Sunday, July 12, 2026 results for each game:

Winning Cash 3 numbers from July 12 drawing

Evening: 7-0-6

Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 4 numbers from July 12 drawing

Evening: 5-3-0-9

Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Natural State Jackpot numbers from July 12 drawing

07-12-15-26-35

Check Natural State Jackpot payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from July 12 drawing

12-21-39-46-48, Bonus: 02

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Arkansas Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
Cash 3 Midday: 12:59 p.m. CT daily except Sunday.
Cash 3 Evening: 6:59 p.m. CT daily.
Cash 4 Midday: 12:59 p.m. CT daily except Sunday.
Cash 4 Evening: 6:59 p.m. CT daily.
Lucky For Life: 9:30 p.m. CT daily.
Natural State Jackpot: 8 p.m. CT daily except Sunday.
LOTTO: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Arkansas editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Arkansas

Arkansas officials react to death of Sen. Lindsey Graham

Published

1 day ago

July 12, 2026

Press Room

Arkansas officials react to death of Sen. Lindsey Graham

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has died after a “brief and sudden illness,” his office said. He was 71.

Hours later, another statement from Graham’s office said the Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia’s preliminary findings are the senator died of aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. That is an aorta rupture stemming from hardening of Graham’s arteries.

Arkansas officials released statements following the death of Graham.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders released the following statement:

“Bryan and I are sending our deepest sympathies to the people of South Carolina as they mourn the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. He was a veteran, a longtime public servant, and a leading voice on foreign relations, but I remember him most for his partnership during the fight to get Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Working on the White House team, we needed allies like Senator Graham who would fight hard for what they knew was right, and it was thanks to his forcefulness that we were able to get Justice Kavanaugh’s confirmation over the finish line. America has lost one of its finest Senators, and my prayers are with Senator Graham’s family, staff, colleagues in the U.S. Senate, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Attorney General Tim Griffin posted on Facebook:

“Lindsey Graham will long be remembered as a stalwart of the U.S. Senate. His legacy is that of a problem solver and a passionate advocate for our national security. He understood America’s leadership role in the world and helped craft policies that supported that role. In addition to his 23 years in the U.S. Senate, he also served his country with distinction as a JAG officer in the United States Air Force for 33 years. Rest in peace, Senator Graham. A grateful nation thanks you for your service.”

Fellow Sen. John Boozman posted on X:

“The sudden passing of my friend and colleague Lindsey Graham is an incredible loss for the Senate, his beloved South Carolina and our country. Public service, whether in the Air Force or in Congress, was his life’s work. We were fortunate to serve with such a fierce advocate for American leadership through both diplomacy and a strong military. Cathy and I are heartbroken and join all those praying for his family, friends and staff as we mourn a dear friend and patriot.”

Sen. Tom Cotton also posted on X:

“Lindsey Graham was an American original. A truly self-made man, he lost his parents at an early age and cared for his younger sister. That same sense of responsibility and duty took him into the Air Force and the Congress. Lindsey was a great champion for our military, our troops, and our national security. A lover of liberty and a true patriot, Lindsey never stopped working on behalf of South Carolina and America. His premature death is a tragedy for all those who knew him. Anna and I join all Arkansans in extending our deepest condolences to Lindsey’s family and friends.”

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