As a result of an ongoing investigation into the illegal manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine in Adair and Sequoyah counties, two Arkansas residents and three Sallisaw men were arrested on various drug charges during the past week.

District 27 drug task force agents teamed up with Cherokee Nation Marshal Service Investigators and Adair County Sheriff's Deputies to serve a search warrant on a Watts residence Tuesday morning.

Arrested as a result of the investigation were George Robert of Springdale, Ark, and Ashley Steenbeck of Fayetteville, Ark. Both are being held without bond.

Robert, 33, was booked into the Adair County Jail on charges of trafficking a controlled dangerous substance, manufacture of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of anhydrous ammonia in an unapproved container, possession of a firearm in commission of a felony and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Steenbeck, 22, was booked into the Adair County Jail on charges of trafficking a controlled dangerous substance, manufacture of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of anhydrous ammonia in an unapproved container, possession of a firearm in commission of a felony and possession of drug paraphernalia.

During the search, agents reported finding chemicals and equipment commonly associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine and substances appearing to be methamphetamine and marijuana, along with items of paraphernalia associated with the distribution and use of controlled dangerous substances. Firearms were also discovered.

Agents found more than a half-pound of suspected methamphetamine. Further investigation is expected to lead to additional arrests.

District 27 drug task force agents teamed up with Sequoyah County sheriff's deputies and Sallisaw police to serve a search warrant on a Sallisaw residence last Friday afternoon.

Agents found substances appearing to be methamphetamine and marijuana, along with items of paraphernalia commonly associated with the use of controlled dangerous substances. DTF agents also noted that the residence is within 1,000 feet of a public park in Sallisaw.

John Allen Baldridge, Curtis Lee Baldridge, and Floyd Lee Crabtree, all of Sallisaw, were arrested by authorities.

John Baldridge, 36, was booked into the Sequoyah County Jail on charges of possession of a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a park, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Jail records indicate Baldridge has a previous felony conviction. He is being held in lieu of a $20,000 bond.

Curtis Baldridge, 56, was booked for possession of a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a park, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. With previous felony convictions, he was released on a $20,000 bond.

Crabtree, 52, was booked into the Sequoyah County Jail on charges of possession of a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a park, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Like the others, he has previous felony convictions. He is being held in lieu of a $20,000 bond.

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