On 7/9/15, at approximately 2:30 AM, officers with the Benton Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Airlane Drive for defective equipment. They made contact with the driver and sole occupant, later identified as Casey Dillard (32 YOA) of Benton.
It was determined through the officer’s investigation that Dillard’s driver’s license was suspended and that his vehicle was displaying a fictitious license plate. Further investigation revealed syringes and pipes containing suspected Methamphetamine and Heroin, along with digital scales and plastic baggies. Dillard was subsequently placed under arrest without incident.
Dillard was then transported to the Saline County Detention Facility for processing. He is charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Heroin), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving on Suspended Driver’s License, and Fictitious Vehicle License. This is an on-going investigation and additional charges could be forthcoming for them.
Although this is the first heroin arrest we’ve encountered this year, there have been many other agencies in Arkansas and surrounding states starting to see an increase. Some of the increase has been attributed to prescription drug abuse leading them to heroin, which is cheaper to obtain and feed their addiction. Part of it is also attributed to the normalization and lowered perception of harm in those states that are starting to legalize illicit drugs.
BNPD will continue to aggressively pursue those who violate drug laws since in many cases they are also tied into other criminal activity that takes place in our community. We will also continue to offer educational programs to the community about the negative effects and consequences of all drug use and abuse, including prescription drugs and all illicit narcotics.
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 these incidents 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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