Largest crack cocaine seizure of year results in man’s arrest
Posted on Saturday, June 21, 2008
An undercover drug investigation has led investigators to the biggest crack cocaine bust in Fayetteville so far this year.
Members of the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force seized 186. 9 grams of the drug and $ 15, 041 in cash from Joe Lewis Franklin, 43, and at his residence at 1658 Evalyn Circle in Fayetteville.
Franklin, arrested Thursday evening, now faces felony charges: four counts of accomplice to deliver crack cocaine, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver (crack cocaine ), possession of drug paraphernalia and manufacturing of a controlled substance (crack cocaine ).
“ They found 96. 6 grams on his person and an additional 90. 3 grams at his home, ” said Fayetteville Police Lt. Jamie Fields.
During a recent investigation, task force members received reports from various sources that Franklin was selling large amounts of crack cocaine in the Fayette- ville area. After investigating, the task force obtained a search warrant for Franklin’s home. Before the search, however, Franklin drove away from his home. Police stopped and searched him, and reported finding a plastic bag containing 159 individually wrapped packages of crack cocaine, with a total weight of about 96. 6 grams. The officers also recovered cash previously used by the task force in buying drugs from Franklin.
Investigators then searched Franklin’s home and seized the remaining crack cocaine and $ 15, 041 in U. S. currency. Items used in the conversion of cocaine to crack cocaine were also found in the kitchen of Franklin’s home.
“ I believe there were two females at home when the search was executed, ” Fields said. “ They were interviewed and released. We believe [Franklin ] was the only one living there. ”
In addition to drug charges, Franklin was also arrested on a warrant for parole violation. He has a criminal history with the Fayetteville Police Department for felony drug violations and seconddegree battery.
Franklin was in the Washington County Detention Center Friday afternoon, but a bond amount had not been posted. He is expected to make his first appearance in Washington County Circuit Court on Monday.
More arrests are expected, police said.
The 4 th Judicial District Drug Task Force is made up of investigators from police departments in Fayetteville, Springdale, University of Arkansas, Prairie Grove, West Fork, Johnson, Lincoln, Greenland, Farmington, Elm Springs and Elkins, as well as the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
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