A phone call about a hostage situation led Baxter County deputies to a rural Gassville house, but instead of hostages, deputies discovered a large amount of drugs and cash. Multiple charges have been filed against 35-year-old Joshua Andrew Enquist and 35-year-old Samantha Michelle Enquist, including drug trafficking, a class Y felony, the most serious crime in Arkansas not punishable by the death penalty.
Investigators say the couple was apparently buying large quantities of drugs, repackaging them and selling them. They say the Enquists were using retail packaging with professionally printed logos and labels for repackaging the products which is different than typical ziplock baggies they normally find.
According the probable cause affidavit, deputies were dispatched to the house late last month after a caller said there were multiple hostages being held in the basement of the house. The caller demanded $50,000 of he would kill all of the hostages.
The call turned out to be fake and authorities were unable to trace the call.
While deputies were investigating, they could see marijuana and a smoking device in the house. A search warrant was obtained and investigators began searching the house. They found numerous drugs, paraphernalia and packaging. Investigators say it was apparent the couple was buying large quantities of marijuana and separating it into smaller packages for resale.
In all, deputies confiscated 17.6 pounds of marijuana, seven grams of hashish, 2,039 grams of THC wax, 2,128 grams of TCH syrup, 259 THC vape cartridges, three boxes of THC hard candy, 762 grams of psyllium mushrooms and $37,259 in cash. There were also molds were the THC candy was being manufactured.
Joshua and Samantha Enquist are each facing felony charges of drug trafficking, possession of a schedule VI controlled substance, manufacture of a schedule VI controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, along with a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia. Both are free after each posted $75,000 bond.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI