Shortly after midnight Saturday, Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies seized a substantial quantity of methamphetamine and arrested a former Great Bend man on drug-related charges, Sheriff Brian Bellendir said.
According to Bellendir, Deputy Sheriff Deputy Brant Harms was on routine patrol in southeast Barton County when he spotted a vehicle driving in a field south of US 56 Highway. After observing the vehicle for short distance, Harms stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Justin L Peterson, age 26 of Wichita, formerly of Great Bend resident.
During the course the traffic stop, it was learned Peterson had two outstanding warrants from Russell and Barton County. Further investigation revealed approximately 250 grams of meth, drug paraphernalia and other items.
Peterson was placed under arrest for the warrants and for possession with intent to distribute, as well as failure to comply with the Kansas Drug Tax Stamp Act, Bellendir said. Peterson is being held in the Barton County jail in lieu of $300,000 bond.
The Sheriff’s Office will pursue other leads in the case and further action is possible.