On Friday, March 26th and Saturday, March 27th the Kansas Combined Anti-Drug Taskforce (K-CAT), conducted a narcotics saturation patrol to target illegal narcotics in our community.  K-CAT was able to partner with multiple agencies in the operation. Parsons Police, Labette County Sheriff's Department, Chanute Police, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigations (KBI) was involved in this successful operation.

During the twilight hours and evening on Friday and Saturday the saturation patrol was able to utilize two K-9 units from the Chanute Police Department and one from the Labette County Sheriff's office to assist in the detection of illegal narcotics. K-CAT Acting Commander Kyle Wiford said, "I appreciated this partnership with Chanute and Labette County because the benefit of having a K-9 is an invaluable asset to any true narcotics operation. A special thanks to Sheriff Darren Eichinger and Chief Raymond Hale for their personal partnership by coming to Parsons with their officers and assisting in this operation."

This targeted patrol was able to make 35 traffic stops that resulted in 12 arrests. The operation also gave drivers a total of 23 warnings and issued 10 citations for traffic issues. Of the 12 arrest they had, there were 5 felony arrests and 7 misdemeanors. "We were able to seize methamphetamines, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia from the arrests and get them off of the streets," according to Wiford.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks stated, "I am pleased with the efforts of the K-CAT operation. It was a great partnership between agencies and showed a lot of teamwork. This is also a reminder to the criminals in the area that we will not allow there to be an influx of illegal drugs into our community. This operation does great things like provide officers with valuable information about who is possessing and transporting illegal drugs. It also allows the opportunity for officers to gain intel to and continue the fight on drugs. We want to stem the flow of illegal drugs into the community. If we can make a deal with a low-level offense to bring a trafficker to justice, then that is a fair trade."

"The taskforce is looking forward to the arrival the Parsons Police Departments K-9, Karim, because of the absolutely amazing help they are to the department and to the taskforce. I have had the pleasure of working with some great dogs from our surrounding agencies and it will be a breath of fresh air to have one locally," said Wiford.

The taskforce was able to develop additional crime leads which are being followed up on by the police department and the investigations division. The following were arrested during this operation: Skylar Duncan, age 34, of Parsons- 2 Misdemeanor Warrants and 2 Felony Warrants, counted as two arrests, David Hinman, age 33, of Parsons- Possession of Methamphetamines, Driving While Suspended and other traffic violations, Delandrick Smith, age 43, of Independence- Driving While Suspended and other traffic violations, Bryan Stephens, age 20, of Parsons- Transporting an Open Container, Nona Entz, age 36, of Owasso OK- Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Paraphernalia, Gabriel Duncan, age 30, of Parsons- Possession of Methamphetamines and traffic violations, Dakeshia Reece, age 28, of Parsons- Felony Warrant, Karen Murphy, age 53, of Parsons- Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, Driving While Suspended and other traffic violations, Chakota Jones, age 28, of Parsons- No Drivers License, No Insurance, and other traffic violations, One Parsons juvenile, age 15- Possession of Marijuana, No Drivers License and other traffic violations.

"We saw social media light up on Friday with many of Parsons's nefarious criminal members jumping ship for Pittsburg and surrounding cities directly due to the high visibility of police in town," said Sergeant Jason Ludwig. "We will continue to deploy the K-CAT Taskforce and their partners throughout 2021."

This continues to be an on-going investigation and citizens are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It." If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com.

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