Large amount of drugs, cash found in Lexington duo’s car during traffic stop

A Lexington duo has been charged with numerous drug trafficking offenses after police allegedly found drugs and a large amount of cash in their vehicle during a traffic stop Saturday.

According to Corbin Police, a vehicle driven by Benjamin Ashcraft, 24, was stopped near I-75 in south Corbin at about 11:30 p.m. for suspicion of driving under the influence. Police quickly determined that Ashcraft and his passenger, 22-year-old Justine Margaret Cesar were both under the influence of narcotics. They were placed under arrest.

A search of the vehicle by officers Coy Wilson and Kirk Mays led to the discovery of approximately $4,200 in cash and various prescription controlled narcotics with an estimated street value of about $12,000.

Ashcraft was charged with: two counts of trafficking in a controlled substance first-degree, trafficking in a controlled substance third-degree, prescription controlled substance not in original container, two charges of failure to wear seat belts, DUI and failure to produce an insurance card.

Cesar was charged with: three counts of trafficking in a controlled substance first degree, trafficking in a controlled substance second and third degrees, and for having a prescription controlled substance not in an original container.

Both were lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center and remained there as of Tuesday on a $25,000 cash bond.
Wilson is continuing an investigation into the case.