$25K in drugs, cash seized in Benton County
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CAMDEN, Tenn. — Thousands of dollars in drugs are off the streets and a couple is behind bars after a drug bust in Benton County. Benton County Sheriff Kenny Christopher is calling it the biggest drug bust the county has seen since he’s been in office. Guns, drug paraphernalia and an estimated $25,000 in drugs and suspected drug money is what Benton County deputies recovered after raiding a home Saturday afternoon on Lankford Arnold Road. “We had multiple complaints from neighbors,” Lt. Bryant Allen said. “We had watched traffic going in and out of this residence continuously. It was consistent with drug activity. We were able today to obtain a search warrant signed by the judge and were able to take a lot of drugs off the street.” Allen said he’s dealt with the couple before on similar charges. Charles and Kristie Elmore now face six counts of various drug and weapons charges. Christopher said tips led investigators to make this bust. “We’re glad to get it off the street,” Christopher said. “It was a very good lick, and a lot of hard work was put into it by the investigators and our other deputies that assisted as well.” Among what was recovered is 178 grams of meth known as ice, eight bags of marijuana, as well as Sudafed, Xanax and hydrocodone pills. Deputies said if sold on the street the drugs would net more than $20,000. “The drugs were underneath the bed in close proximity to them along with a substantial amount of cash,” Allen said. An estimated $1,500 in cash was seized. “It’s just the start. We’re not going to let up,” Christopher said. “If it’s out there, we’re going to do our best to find it and get it off the street.” Christopher said the couple could even have federal charges filed against them. Charles Elmore is being held in lieu of a $50,000 bond. Kristie Elmore is being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond. The couple is scheduled to appear Wednesday in Benton County General Sessions Court.
