Jacksonville, FL – Benjamin Crawford, 43, has been arrested after a major drug bust in Arlington Hills, where authorities seized nearly 150 grams of cocaine, along with other illicit substances. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) announced the arrest following a lengthy investigation into drug activity in the area.
The Incident: Discovery of Drugs and Illegal Items
The investigation began when a local resident reported suspicious activity to JSO. Detectives quickly determined that Benjamin Crawford was allegedly involved in selling drugs from both his car and home. The investigation led to the securing of a search warrant for Crawford’s residence on Townsend Village Lane in Arlington Hills.
On August 23, detectives executed the search warrant at the house, where they discovered a significant stash of drugs and illegal items. The following were seized:
- 14.6 pounds of Cathinones (Flakka)
- 148 grams of Crack Cocaine
- 21.8 grams of Powder Cocaine
- 34 and a half Prescription Pills
- 2 grams of Marijuana
- 1 stolen firearm (which had been reported missing nearly a decade ago)
The substantial amount of cocaine and Flakka raised alarms about the scale of Crawford’s alleged drug operation.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Following the suspicious activity report, detectives began gathering information and building a case against Crawford. Their investigation led them to believe that he was distributing illegal narcotics from his residence and car.
After securing the search warrant, JSO detectives uncovered a significant quantity of cocaine and prescription pills, along with a stolen firearm. The discovery confirmed that Crawford was involved in a larger-scale drug operation and that he had been in possession of stolen property.
“This investigation was made possible thanks to a community tip that alerted us to suspicious activity in the area,” said a JSO spokesperson.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Benjamin Crawford now faces multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine, Flakka, and prescription pills. Additionally, he has been charged with possession of a stolen firearm.
JSO says Crawford’s arrest is part of an ongoing effort to combat drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession in the community.
As the investigation continues, Crawford is expected to face additional legal consequences. He remains in custody, pending further hearings.
Public Reactions and Law Enforcement’s Efforts
Local authorities have praised the role of community involvement in the bust. JSO encourages the public to report suspicious activity, as tips from residents play a crucial role in these investigations.
“We urge residents to continue reporting any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods,” said the JSO spokesperson. “Your involvement can help us keep our community safe.”
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office continues to monitor the situation and investigate any possible connections to larger drug networks operating in the area. Crawford’s trial is expected to take place in the coming months, where prosecutors will present the evidence obtained during the search.
In addition to his charges, law enforcement will likely continue investigating any links to other criminal activities, including drug trafficking and illegal firearm distribution.
Conclusion
The arrest of Benjamin Crawford marks a significant step in JSO’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the Arlington Hills area. Authorities are continuing their investigations to ensure that others involved in similar illegal activities are brought to justice.
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