The streets of Arlington Hills witnessed a substantial narcotics bust when Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) detectives seized several pounds of illegal drugs and a stolen firearm after serving a search warrant in August. The bust, according to a social media post from the JSO, was the culmination of investigative efforts that began with a resident’s report of suspicious activity.
The person at the center of the investigation was identified as 43-year-old Benjamin Crawford, who detectives determined was distributing drugs from his vehicle and from his residence on Townsend Village Lane; the discovery included 14.6 pounds of Cathinones, commonly known as Flakka, 148 grams of Crack Cocaine, 21.8 grams of Powder Cocaine, over 34 prescription pills, a small quantity of Marijuana and a firearm, the post detailed, more importantly, the firearm had been reported stolen nearly a decade ago, highlighting the persisting issue of illegal weapons circulation.
Following the search, Crawford now faces multiple charges related to the narcotics distribution and possession of the stolen firearm. The JSO used this operation to send a clear warning message to others involved in similar illegal activities: “Let us be clear: if you sell drugs in Jacksonville, we will arrest you.”…