Several conspiracy theories assert that the CIA used Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport to smuggle weapons and ammunition to the Contras in Nicaragua, and drugs back into the United States.[19][20] Some theories even invoke the involvement of political figures, including Oliver North and former presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton.[20][21]

The CIA‘s self-investigation, overseen by the CIA‘s inspector general, stated that the CIA had no involvement in or knowledge of any illegal activities that may have occurred in Mena.