Drug trafficking organization members sentenced to more than 47 years for fentanyl trafficking

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Three members of a drug trafficking organization were sentenced to more than 47 years in federal prison for fentanyl trafficking, the United States for the Attorney's Office Western District of Arkansas announced .

Claude Dukes, Jr., 42, of Newport, was sentenced to 25 years for conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl and five years of supervised release. WDAR said Dukes' sentence was enhanced due to being a career offender.

Justin Alexander Ellis, 36, of Fayetteville, was sentenced to more than 14 years for distribution of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl and three years of supervised release. Ellis' sentence was also enhanced due to being a career offender.

Derrick Scott Bradley, 43, of Rogers was sentenced to eight years for distribution of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl and three years of supervised release.

Arkansas man found guilty of conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the organization, which was responsible for distributing fentanyl pills between November 2022 and June 2023.

Evidence presented at Dukes' trial showed he was the source of the supply of fentanyl being distributed by Ellis. Dukes was found responsible for the distribution of more than 400 grams of fentanyl.

WDAR said pills that were distributed by the group contained fentanyl and were pressed to look like M-30 Oxycontin prescription pills.

The Drug Enforcement Administration in Fayetteville investigated the case and was assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force, Benton County Drug Unit, Benton County Sheriff's Department, Bentonville Police Department, Rogers Police Department, and the Newport Police Department.