Investigation leads to almost 3 pounds of meth, arrest

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Photo: Ernesto Salas Berdejo

An ongoing investigation in Izard County has led to the arrest of an man from Independence County and the seizure of a container holding almost 3 pounds of methamphetamine.

Izard County Sheriff Jack Yancey says 43-year-old Ernesto Salas Berdejo of Batesville is being held on charges of trafficking a controlled substance, methamphetamine; and an enhancement due to proximity of certain facilities, identified in the affidavit as a day care facility. Berdejo is on parole for a negligent homicide charge.

Sheriff Yancey says officers from his agency and the 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force developed information that a drug delivery might take place in the area of Jordan’s Convenience Store in Melbourne.

Based on the information, on Monday morning, the area was placed under surveillance by officers from his department and what was believed to be a delivery was observed. The officers converged on the scene and took Berdejo into custody, while deploying the department’s K9, Hugo, and seizing 2.7 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $125,000.

Berdejo is being held on $100,000 dollar bond and a parole hold from the Arkansas Department of Correction.

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