The Arkansas State Police (ASP) seized more than 100 pounds of illegal drugs as a result of a traffic stop on a tractor trailer on I-40 this week.
Shortly before 2 p.m. on May 19, an ASP trooper stopped a commercial truck on I-40 eastbound at mile marker 75.

During the traffic stop, the trooper located and seized four boxes from the cab of the truck that contained 15 kilos (36 pounds) of Fentanyl and 35 kilos (86 pounds) of cocaine.

California-based truck driver Claude Bell, 56, was arrested and charged with 21 counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and 21 counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. He remains in U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration custody.
According to ASP, Bell was traveling Los Angeles to Memphis when the traffic stop occurred.
“Removing over 36 pounds of Fentanyl from our communities will save an untold number of lives. This seizure amounts to around 150,000 lethal doses taken off the streets,” said ASP Col. Mike Hagar. “Our top priority is protecting the lives of Arkansans. Seizures like this should serve as a warning to anyone transporting illicit narcotics along our interstates and highways. State Police will remain vigilant and committed to keeping the roads safe for law-abiding citizens.”