Recorded Meth Sale Led to Drug Search at Jonesboro Apartment, Affidavits Say

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro man faces drug delivery and possession allegations after investigators say a recorded methamphetamine sale led to a search that uncovered more drugs and $1,642 in cash.

Tyree Reginald Banks, 52, was arrested Sept. 24 outside his apartment on Self Circle before agents with the 2nd Judicial District Drug Task Force executed a search warrant, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Agents reported finding 9.8 grams of methamphetamine, 17 ecstasy pills, 12 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, packaging material and drug paraphernalia inside the apartment. The affidavit said Banks’ identification was in a cabinet where drugs were located.

The search followed an investigation in August during which a confidential informant allegedly bought between 2 and 10 grams of methamphetamine from Banks.

According to a separate affidavit dated Aug. 31, agents searched the informant before the purchase, provided task force money and a concealed recording device, and maintained surveillance as the informant went to Banks’ apartment.

An investigator reported that the recording showed Banks weighing and packaging methamphetamine in the kitchen. The substance obtained during the purchase tested positive for methamphetamine on a narcotics analyzer, the affidavit said.

Banks faces a Class B felony allegation of delivery of methamphetamine or cocaine in the case stemming from the controlled purchase. Although the charge’s statutory label includes either drug, the affidavit identifies the substance as methamphetamine.

In the case stemming from the apartment search, court records list possession of methamphetamine or cocaine with purpose to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia, both Class B felonies; possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance other than methamphetamine or cocaine with purpose to deliver and a drug-premises offense, both Class C felonies; and possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with purpose to deliver, a Class A misdemeanor.

The records also list an allegation involving enhanced penalties for drug distribution near certain facilities. The supplied affidavit does not identify the facility involved.

Judge Thomas Fowler found probable cause Sept. 28. The bond orders list $175,000 cash or surety. Banks was appointed a public defender and is scheduled to appear in Craighead County Circuit Court at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 23.

The allegations have not been proven in court.