Gov. Asa Hutchinson has named Benton Police Chief Kirk Lane as Arkansas Drug Director.

He succeeds Denny Altes, the former state representative who resigned without explanation in May. He was paid $73,000, but Lane will be paid $108,000.

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Said Hutchinson:

“Chief Lane’s extensive experience in law enforcement and his background with the FBI has well-equipped him to serve as the new Arkansas Drug Director. Chief Lane is a dedicated leader who has been a valuable asset to several Arkansas drug and alcohol boards and programs. I am confident that he will continue to do an outstanding job working to further alcohol- and drug-abuse prevention and treatment initiatives of our state.”

Lane has been Benton chief since 2009. He worked 20 years for the Pulaski sheriff’s office. He’s been a member of the Arkansas Drug and Alcohol Coordinating Council, the Arkansas Gulf Coast HITDA State Board, the Terrorism Task Force, the Arkansas Prescription Drug Advisory Board and the Arkansas Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.

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Lane’s career has included some controversy, such as allegations made about abuses by drug investigators at the Pulaski sheriff’s office. There was controversy when he became Benton chief because of allegations — unfounded he said — of his connections to the infamous “Boys on the Tracks” deaths.

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