An Ellinwood man was arrested after Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered suspected narcotics during a traffic stop in Great Bend Sunday morning.

According to Sheriff Brian Bellendir, at about 9:53 a.m. Sunday, BCSO Deputy Sheriff Alexandria Mason stopped a white Chevy Malibu at 24th Street and Paseo Drive in Great Bend for a traffic infraction. During the course of the investigation, BCSO deputies became suspicious of illegal drug activity and a canine officer was called to the scene to assist. After further probable cause was developed, a search of the vehicle ensued, in which deputies located suspected methamphetamine, prescription drugs and paraphernalia. One individual, Garrett Buckbee, 24, of Ellinwood, was arrested at the scene. 

Buckbee was also being sought in relation to a search warrant that was conducted by the BCSO on Tuesday, Feb. 2, in Great Bend, and a Barton County District Court warrant for failure to appear.

Buckbee was transported to the Barton County Jail without incident where he was booked on two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of stimulants, distribution of prescription medication, criminal use of a weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia, as well as the Barton County District Court warrant. Buckbee is being held in lieu of a $300,000 bond.