By SALINA POST
Investigations by the I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force have resulted in the recent seizure of multiple drug-related items and cash, as well as several arrests.
In a news release issued this afternoon, the task force reported that since February, it has been conducting drug distribution investigations of individuals in Salina.
"During the course of the investigations, the I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force identified three individuals who were conducting ongoing drug distributions from residences in Salina," the task force noted.
Through information uncovered during the investigations, the task force was able to secure search warrants for three locations in Salina.
On July 8, the task force served a search warrant at a residence in the 1100 block of N. Ninth Street. The following items were seized from that residence.
●More than five ounces of cocaine
●More than three grams of psilocybin mushrooms
●More than $21,000 in cash
●A .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun
●More than 20 grams of marijuana and THC gummies
According to information from the task force, arrests are pending in this investigation.
On Tuesday, the task force served a search warrant at 924 E. Kirwin Avenue. The following items were seized from that residence.
●More than one pound of THC wax
●More than $1,300 in cash
●An AR-15 rifle
●A 2005 BMW 325i
●More than a pound of marijuana
Two people were arrested in connection to this search warrant, the task force noted.
Oscar Lopez-Garcia, 21, of Salina was arrested on the following requested charges.
●Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
●Felony possession of drug paraphernalia
●Drug tax stamp violation
●Possession of drug paraphernalia
●Criminal possession of a firearm
Antonio Lopez, 22, of Salina was arrested on the following requested charges.
●Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (two times)
●Felony possession of drug paraphernalia
●Drug tax stamp violation
●Possession of drug paraphernalia
●Possession of drug proceeds
On Thursday, the Salina Police Department served a search warrant at 627 Washington Street for the task force. The following items were seized from that residence.
●More than three grams of psilocybin mushrooms
●More than $15,000 in cash
●A Glock 9mm handgun with three magazines (two 33-round extended)
●More than two pounds of marijuana
Zachary D. Swarts, 18, was arrested in connection to that search warrant on the following requested charges.
Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
●Felony possession of drug paraphernalia
●Drug tax stamp violation
●Possession of drug paraphernalia
●Possession of drug proceeds
●Possession of marijuana
According to the information from the task force, the investigations into these cases are ongoing. If you have any information concerning any of these events, or any other illegal drug activities, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or you can visit www.pd.salina.org and follow the Crimestoppers link to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 and you are not required to give your name.