BATESVILLE, Ark. — The 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force has seized more than 250 pounds of prescription drugs and suspected fentanyl following an investigation in Independence County, authorities announced.
According to a news release from the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for the 16th Judicial District, the investigation began Jan. 28 and focused on Susan Martin and Venus Donahue, who are accused of trafficking significant quantities of controlled substances.
With assistance from the Batesville Police Department and the Independence County Sheriff’s Office, investigators executed search warrants at residences connected to the suspects. During the operation, law enforcement officers recovered large quantities of prescription medications along with suspected fentanyl.
As a result of the investigation, charges are being filed through the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Venus Donahue is facing multiple felony charges, including trafficking Schedule II narcotics involving hydrocodone, oxycodone, Adderall and amphetamine, as well as trafficking Schedule II carisoprodol and Schedule IV alprazolam. Donahue is also charged with maintaining a drug premises, a Class C felony.
Susan Martin is charged with trafficking Schedule II narcotics involving Adderall and OxyContin, both Class Y felonies, along with possession of methamphetamine in an amount less than two grams, a Class D felony.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing. Law enforcement authorities emphasized that suspected counterfeit fentanyl pills pose a serious threat to public safety due to their potency and the heightened risk of overdose.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
