21-05-2025
Man traveling from LA to Memphis caught with 50 kilos of drugs
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A California man is now facing charges after police say he was caught driving from Los Angeles to Memphis with 15 kilos of fentanyl and 35 kilos of cocaine.
Claude Bell, 56, of California, is charged with 21 counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 21 counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
On May 19, Arkansas State Police say they conducted a traffic stop on a tractor-trailer driving eastbound on Interstate 40.
US DOJ drops MPD investigation, retracts findings of Constitutional violations
The trooper says four boxes with 15 kilos of fentanyl and 35 kilos of cocaine were found in the cab of the truck.
The seizure amount is around 150,000 lethal doses, according to ASP Col. Mike Hagar.
'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,' Hagar said. '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.'
Claude Bell is currently in the custody of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and will face charges in the U.S. Eastern District federal court in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
