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Deputy Finds $4,323, Loaded Gun, Methamphetamine During Traffic Stop

BENTON COUNTY (KFSM) – Benton County deputies recovered methamphetamine, $4,323 in cash and a semi-automatic pistol during a traffic stop early Saturday morning...
benton county drugs on table feb 2 cropped
Deputy Finds $4,323, Loaded Gun, Methamphetamine During Traffic Stop

BENTON COUNTY (KFSM) – Benton County deputies recovered methamphetamine, $4,323 in cash and a semi-automatic pistol during a traffic stop early Saturday morning in Bentonville.

Rafael Munoz was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia and simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms. He was booked into the Benton County Jail shortly after his arrest, according to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

A deputy pulled Munoz over near South Walton Boulevard and Southwest Eighth Street in Bentonville around 1:55 a.m. Saturday after noticing the suspect’s left brake light was out. During the traffic stop, the deputy noticed the driver had a suspended license and a warrant out for his arrest on suspicion of failure to appear for a court date, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Benton County.

The deputy arrested Munoz and searched his car, finding about four ounces of methamphetamine, $4,323 in cash and a loaded .380-caliber semi-automatic handgun.

Munoz during a subsequent interview with detectives admitted to owning the drugs and said the pistol was given to him by his drug supplier for protection, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Munoz told deputies he has a resident alien card and is from Mexico. His criminal history includes previous arrests on suspicion of two counts of obstructing government operations, contempt of court and failure to appear, according to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

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