Pubdate: Sat, 19 Feb 2005
Source: Oklahoman, The (OK)
Copyright: 2005 The Oklahoma Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.oklahoman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318
Author: Bill Kramer

NEW KINGFISHER SHERIFF CRACKS DOWN ON NARCOTICS

KINGFISHER - Dennis Banther said he wanted to take charge of a renewed
effort to slow down illegal drug trafficking, and the cornerstone of
his campaign for Kingfisher County sheriff is proving fruitful.

Since taking over in November as the county's first new sheriff in 18
years, Banther, 32, has supervised a series of recent drug raids in
various parts of the county with mutual assistance from police in
Kingfisher and Okarche.

Authorities searched four residences and arrested eight adults and
three juveniles suspected of multiple drug-related activities.

Banther said the searches yielded substantial quantities of
"crystalized ice," which is more complex methamphetamine made for
smoking, not snorting.

"That's a first in my career," Banther said. "We're learning people
are moving up. They prefer it over powder. It's a purer form."

The sheriff's department is working with a state Bureau of Narcotics
agent who is studying possible routes traveled by drug traffickers and
suspected points of origin.

Undersheriff Eldon Dickson said Banther's aggressive attitude toward
narcotics is spreading throughout the department.

Ultimately, Banther said, the county needs a drug dog and a trained
tactical unit to help curb the free flow of drugs on county roads,
State Highways 33 and 51 and U.S. 81.

His office has partnered with the Kingfisher Rotary Club in raising
funds to purchase a drug-sniffing canine.

Banther said the decision was bolstered recently by a U.S. Supreme
Court ruling, which gave police broader search powers during traffic
stops.

The High Court ruled Jan. 24 that drug-sniffing dogs can be used to
check out motorists even if officers have no reason to suspect they
may be carrying narcotics.

Banther said Deputy Bill Huffman will become the county's canine
deputy and will be trained in part by Piedmont canine officer Brian
Guthrie.

The department has identified a $7,900 drug dog it wants to purchase.
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