More arrests in narcotics investigation

To date, a little more than 50 individuals have been arrested in an ongoing narcotics investigation being conducted by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Southeast Kansas Drug Task Force, according to an unofficial count provided by the FSPD on Thursday.

FSPD Capt. Shaun West said some arrests have been made this week and more are expected in the near future as the investigation involving the FSPD, KBI and Bourbon County Sheriff's Office continues. West said four arrests were made on Thursday and another arrest was expected to be made Friday. Some arrests can be seen on page 2 of today's edition.

West said some of the suspects have been picked up outside of Bourbon County but most have been arrested within the county. Arrests have taken place at different times and locations throughout Fort Scott and Bourbon County. There has not been a significant number of arrests at any particular location.

"There have been at least eight more this week from out-of-county pickups and ones we've picked up here," he said. "For an unofficial count we're looking at just over 50 arrests so far and we're continuing on with the investigation."

All of the individuals who have been arrested as part of the investigation have been charged with unlawful possession of controlled substance by a communication facility, which involves using a communication device to facilitate a narcotics transaction. Some have been taken into custody on additional charges. Many have been released on surety bonds.

The arrests began May 12 with the apprehension of 30 individuals and have continued sporadically in the weeks since. Persons arrested were charged with violating K.S.A. 21-5707(a)(1), or unlawful possession of controlled substance using a communication facility. Thirty-five individuals were arrested May 12-13 as part of the investigation.

"We hope to wrap it (investigation) up by the end of the month but it may spur off into other investigations," West said.

According to the Kansas Legislature website, www.kslegislature.org, Kansas Statute 21-5707(a)(1) regarding "unlawful manufacture, distribution, cultivation or possession of controlled substances using a communication facility" states that "it shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly or intentionally use any communication facility in committing, causing or facilitating the commission of any felony under K.S.A. 2012 Supp. 21-5703, 21-5705 or 21-5706 and amendments thereto."

The law also states that violation of subsection (a) is a non drug severity level 8, nonperson felony.