BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.
Just after 1:30 a.m. Thursday, a sheriff's deputy sheriff stopped a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis for a traffic infraction in the 1600 block of Kansas 96 Highway, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.
Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies observed what appeared to be a bag of white crystalline substance on the back seat of the vehicle. The deputies field-tested the substance which indicated it was methamphetamine.
Further investigation located a container in the front seat area of the vehicle which contained more suspected methamphetamine. The three occupants of the vehicle were placed under arrest and transported the Barton County Jail without incident.
Deputies arrested the driver identified as Clayton Hines, 40 of Great Bend and two passengers 46-year-old Earl Davis and 49-year-old Ralph Tuey Jr., both of Great Bend.
All three were booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Tuey was booked on an additional failure to appear warrant from the City of Great Bend, according to Bellendir.