Manchester Woman Among Two Arrested in Laurel County Drug Bust

LONDON, Ky. — A Manchester woman was one of two individuals arrested Wednesday night after a traffic stop in London led to the discovery of a significant quantity of suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

According to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, the arrest occurred around 8:56 p.m. on May 28 on East 4th Street. The Sheriff’s Drug Interdiction Unit, led by Deputy Justin Taylor and Shift Sgt. Allen Turner, conducted a traffic stop on a blue Dodge Charger, which ultimately resulted in the arrests.

The passenger, Roberta Ann Benge, 49, of Bald Knob Road in Manchester, was charged with:

·       Conspiracy to traffic in a controlled substance (first-degree, first offense – methamphetamine)

·       Possession of drug paraphernalia

·       Possession of marijuana

The driver, Johnny Asher, 44, of West Broadway in Louisville, was charged with:

·       Conspiracy to traffic in a controlled substance (first-degree, first offense – methamphetamine)

·       Possession of drug paraphernalia

Deputies reported locating a large amount of suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, and a glass smoking pipe during the course of the investigation.

Both individuals were lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center following their arrests.

The operation was carried out with the assistance of Deputy Zach Allen, Deputy Daniel Reed, and Detective Jake Miller of the Laurel County Sheriff's Office. London Police and Kentucky State Police also assisted at the scene.