SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HAS GOOD DAY IN "WAR ON DRUGS"

On Thursday July 6 the Benton County Sheriff's Department received an
anonymous tip regarding the location of a large number of marijuana plants.

Responding to the tip Sergeant-Investigator Ricky Pafford, Sheriff
Cecil Wells, and Reserve Deputy Mike Jenkins were led to the heavily
wooded area south of Camden. They found approximately 60 healthy
marijuana plants. A search of the immediate area uncovered fertilizer
and potting equipment.

The search area was expended with the assistance of Benton County
Deputies Judy Stevens and Pat Chandler, Reserve Deputy Bobby Kee and
his tracking dog. Also assisting was James Inman with the Camden
Police Department.

The expanded search of nearly one square mile resulted in the
location of a tank believed to contain anhydrous ammonia a very
hazardous chemical which is a key ingredient used to manufacture
methamphetamine generally called "Meth."

During an interview with the Camden Chronicle Sergeant-Investigator
Ricky Pafford said, "Tips like the one we received today are
important in our "War on Drugs" and although we did not make an
arrest, we confiscated a significant quantity of marijuana plants and
anhydrous ammonia."

The Sheriff's Department declined to provide the exact location of
the seizure because of ongoing surveillance of that location and
other locations believed to be used by the criminals involved in drugs.

Sheriff Wells added, "If anyone wants to claim the marijuana plants
or anhydrous tank they should stop in at the Benton County Sheriff's
Department."