Benton-area man accused of having $23,000 in meth

BENTON, Mo. -- A Benton-area man was arrested after drugs valued at an estimated $23,000 allegedly were found at his residence.

Allen R. Basinger Jr., 34, is charged with drug trafficking, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, forgery, receiving stolen property and driving a motor vehicle with a suspended license.

Basinger was arrested Thursday night after a traffic stop when it was discovered he was operating a motorcycle without a valid license and other traffic-related offenses, according to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter. During a search, Walter said Basinger was found to be possessing what appeared to be a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia and the vehicle identification number on the frame of the motorcycle and the engine had been removed.

During a search of Basinger's home, a large bag of a crystal-type substance believed to be methamphetamine and seven smaller bags of a similar substance were found.

Walter estimated the street value of the controlled substance to be about $23,000.

Basinger remains in the Scott County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

Pertinent address:

Benton, Mo.