LARNED — A male suspect is in custody at the Pawnee County Jail awaiting formal charges as a result of a probable cause warrant search of a Larned residence Tuesday evening.

A two-month investigation led Pawnee County Sheriff’s officers to a Larned residence, where evidence including multiple guns, explosives, marijuana and methamphetamine at the scene elicited the assistance of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms officers and the Wichita Police Department bomb squad.

Undersheriff Larry Atteberry noted that 49.6 grams of meth were seized, along with scales and other distributive supplies and equipment that indicated the presence of a potential sales operation. “We are currently waiting on ATF’s report for additional follow-up,” Atteberry said. 

Officials were on the scene from late Tuesday evening until noon Wednesday.

The investigation was borne from routine law enforcement procedure, noted Undersheriff Atteberry. “You notice patterns, movement of vehicles, activities,” he said. Increased activity led to a particular focus on a Larned residence, he noted.

The name and age of the suspect, as well as the location of the residence, are being withheld as the investigation continues, Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King said.

The suspect was booked on numerous charges, including distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school; criminal use of explosives and criminal possession of firearms.

ATF also took a portion of the evidence collected to analyze and determine whether connections to other active cases exist in other state areas, King said.