Saturday, February 21, 2015 The Drug Task Force began an investigation into
suspected drug trafficking in Lawrence County. As a result a traffic stop was
made in Portia on a vehicle driven by James Larkin, 38, of Black Rock. Larkin
was found to be in possession of an active methamphetamine lab in his vehicle.
The vehicle was secured and the methamphetamine lab was processed and
removed by new Walnut Ridge Drug Interdiction officer Bubba Blackwood.
Larkin was transported to the Lawrence County Detention center by an officer
with the Arkansas State Police. During the search of Larkin and his vehicle the
DTF officer found a large quantity of methamphetamine (Ice), as well as several
prescription medications including Oxycontin, Hydrocodone, and Xanax.
Lawrence County Sheriff Jeff Yates and his department assisted.