Ark. Code Ann. § 5-64-501 (2026)

Any law enforcement officer, any person authorized to enforce this chapter, or any employee of the Department of Health designated by the Secretary of the Department of Health to conduct an examination, investigation, or inspection under this chapter relating to a controlled substance or to a counterfeit drug may:

1. Carry a firearm in the performance of his or her official duties;
2. Execute and serve a search warrant, arrest warrant, administrative inspection warrant, subpoena, or summons issued under the authority of this state;
3. Make an arrest without warrant for any offense under this chapter committed in his or her presence, or if he or she has probable cause to believe that the person to be arrested has committed a violation of this chapter that may constitute a felony;
4. Make a seizure of property pursuant to this chapter; or
5. Perform any other law enforcement duty as the secretary designates.

History. Acts 1971, No. 590, Art. 5, § 1; 1972 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 67, § 5; 1979, No. 898, § 14; A.S.A. 1947, § 82-2625; Acts 2005, No. 1994, § 308; 2019, No. 910, § 4846.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1972 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 67, § 4, provided that nothing in Acts 1972 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 67, which amended various provisions of Acts 1971, No. 590, was to limit or to be construed as limiting or restricting the investigatory, inspection, or disciplinary powers of any licensing and disciplining board authorized by law.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment deleted “subchapters 1-6 of” preceding “this chapter” throughout this section.

The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary” for “Director” in the introductory language; and substituted “secretary” for “director” in (5).

Cross References. Authority to investigate and arrest in contiguous county, § 12-12-102.