A Malvern man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly dealing drugs in Garland County after a sting operation by Arkansas State Police last summer.
Corey Lee Merritt, 27, was charged with delivery of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia, each punishable by up to 20 years in prison, and unlawful use of a communication device, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and later released on $25,000 bond.
The charge was filed directly to Garland County Circuit Court on July 2 and a warrant for Merritt's arrest was issued on July 8.
According to the probable cause affidavit, between the dates of June 1 and Aug. 1, 2019, Arkansas State Police used a confidential source to make a controlled purchase of meth from Merritt in Garland County.
A recorded text message was made to Merritt to confirm he could sell meth to the source, a price was agreed upon and a location set where the transaction would take place.
A portion of the purchased meth, which was contained in a plastic baggie, was field tested and showed positive results for the presumptive identification of meth. It was noted the amount purchased was over 2 grams but less than 10 grams.
During surveillance of the purchase, Merritt was positively identified by investigators, the affidavit states.