Police: Trio Arrested on Drug Charges After Trying to Flee Police in Riverhead

Three men arrested at a Riverhead residence on Tuesday evening face drug charges, according to Riverhead Town Police.

The East End Drug Task Force (EEDTF), in conjunction with the Suffolk County Police Department Emergency Services Unit and Riverhead Police Department, executed a search warrant at 137 Merritts Pond Road after receiving numerous complaints about possible drug activity at the residence, police said.

As police were approaching the residence, Justin C. Benkov, 29, of Riverhead, who was in a vehicle parked in the driveway of the residence, attempted to reverse his vehicle in the direction of the police officers in an attempt to escape, according to police.

The passengers, Michael T. Barry, 28, of Riverhead, and Bryant B. Smith, 36, of Rocky Point, fled from the vehicle and were apprehended by police, according to police.

Drugs were located in the residence and in the car operated by Benkov, police said.

All three men were transported to Riverhead Police Headquarters and charged with various drug-related charges.

They were held for morning arraignment at Riverhead Justice Court.

The East End Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement unit funded by the office of Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota.

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