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BCSO traffic stops lead to 2 drug busts in 2 days
Suspected methamphetamine found
Swen Finnigan
Swen Finnigan

For the second night in a row, Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies seized suspected controlled substances on a traffic stop, Sheriff Brian Bellendir announced Thursday.

At about 1:25 a.m. Thursday, Deputy Sheriff Alex Lomas observed a suspicious vehicle in a rural area of Barton County near the 500 block of NW 70 Road, Bellendir stated in a news release. “The vehicle was stopped for a traffic infraction. Deputy Sheriff Nicholas Katzenmeier arrived with K-9 Maxx. The canine indicated the presence of suspected controlled substances in the vehicle and further investigation was conducted by the officers. During the course of this investigation suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found in the vehicle. Both occupants of the vehicle were arrested.

“Arrested at the scene were Brandon Gordon, age 38, and Morgan Harley, age 34, both of Hoisington, Kansas.  Both suspects were arrested without incident and transported to the Barton County Jail where they were booked on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both are being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond.”


Earlier arrest

The other traffic stop mentioned by the sheriff occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30, when Deputy Sheriff Katzenmeier and K-9 Officer Maxx conducted a traffic stop at NE Baker St. and Bomar St., which is in the 200 block of NE Baker Street, north of Great Bend. Maxx also indicated the presence of controlled substances during that traffic stop.

“Further investigation by the deputies revealed suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, prescription pharmaceuticals and a .45 caliber handgun," the sheriff stated.

“The driver was identified as Swen Finnigan, age 37, of Great Bend. Finnigan was arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail, where he was booked on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of prescription drugs and criminal use of a weapon.” Finnigan was released after posting a $10,000 bond.