On 3/17/15, at approximately 3:30 PM, officers with the Arkansas Highway Police conducted a traffic stop on a suspect, identified as Ricardo Mendez (35 YOA) of Alexander. Based on information and evidence located on the stop, an investigation was launched into possible illegal narcotic activity. Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in conjunction with officers from the Arkansas Highway Police, Benton Police Department, Little Rock Police Department, Saline County Sheriff’s Office, and the Saline County Prosecutor’s Office then obtained and executed a search warrant for Mendez’s residence at 1019 Fox Hunt Trail in Alexander.
During the execution of the search warrant, officers located approximately 6.1 ounces of Methamphetamine with a street value in excess of $15,000. They also located numerous firearms at the home, including some that were reported stolen from the Central Arkansas area. Additional items located included drug paraphernalia used to process and sell illegal narcotics, money counters, large quantities of ammunition, and surveillance equipment.
Mendez is currently incarcerated in the Saline County Detention Facility. He is currently being held on an investigative hold awaiting a federal complaint to be charged on a federal level. This is an on-going investigation with more arrests possible.
Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to contact the Benton Police Department at 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS. Individuals also may send us an anonymous crime tip about this incident to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the text or go to www.crimereports.com to leave a tip. A crime tip can also be submitted via the official Benton Police Department app found on ITunes and Google Play.
Any suspects listed are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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