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On March 18, 2014 at approximately 6:25 a.m. a Pinal County Sheriff’s K-9 Deputy was traveling westbound on U.S. 60 near mile marker 218. The deputy stopped a Ford Expedition after observing a traffic violation. The driver verbally identified himself as Anthony Benitez (age 39 of Tucson). Benitez was very nervous and had difficulty standing still.
K-9 “Aza” conducted a sniff around the outside of the vehicle and immediately alerted to the presence of illegal drugs inside of the vehicle. Inside of the vehicle, the deputy found 5 grams of marijuana and 1.85 ounces of methamphetamines. Also inside of the vehicle was a black bag which contained $2,009 and Benitez had $809 in cash in his pockets. A further check of the vehicle revealed three methamphetamine pipes, a drug scale and a .38 caliber revolver.
Benitez has an extensive past criminal record including both felony and misdemeanor offenses. Some of these offenses include Possession of Dangerous Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Assault, Driving Suspended, Burglary, Theft, and Possession of Burglary Tools.
He was booked into the Pinal County Jail for Possession of Dangerous Drugs, Possession of Dangerous Drugs for Sale, Transportation of Dangerous Drugs, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Misconduct involved Weapons.
The vehicle, money and drugs were all seized.
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