Traffic Stop Near Ellinwood Results in Drug Arrest

On April 13 at about 11 PM, a deputy with the Barton County Sheriff's Office stopped a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu for an equipment violation near Ellinwood in the 800 block of East Barton County Road.

According to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir, as the first officer was conducting a driver's license check, another officer walked Sheriff's Office K9 Menta around the vehicle. The canine indicated the presence of controlled substances. Upon further investigation, deputies located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.

The driver identified as 33-year-old Nathan Moore of Great Bend was arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail without incident. While he was being booked into jail, further controlled substances were found on his person. Moore was booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia as well as introducing contraband into a correctional facility. He is currently being held in lieu of a $50,000 bond.

When an individual is transported to jail, before the booking process they are always asked if they have any more drugs or controlled substances on them. They are warned that if they enter the jail while concealing drugs they will be charged. Many individuals still attempt to conceal contraband and it is discovered during the booking process.

(Information and photo courtesy Barton County Sheriff's Office.)