On July 22, 2025, the Barton County Sheriff’s office received information from the Kansas Department of Corrections EAI unit, that a quantity of drugs would be entering Barton County on K-156 Highway sometime during the day. The Department of Corrections was able to provide suspect information as well as a vehicle description and tag number. Deputies and detectives were positioned in a number of locations in northeastern Barton County to intercept the vehicle. Just after 4 p.m., sheriff’s deputies observed the vehicle enter Barton County. It was known to the Barton County Sheriff's Office that the occupants were wanted for parole violations on an A&D warrant.
A felony traffic stop was conducted and the subjects were removed from the vehicle and taken into custody without incident. The Sheriff’s Office K9 indicated the presence of controlled substances inside the 2008 Ford Taurus. Further investigation revealed a quantity of cocaine, methamphetamine and synthetic cannabinoids. Two handguns were also located in the vehicle.
The occupants of the vehicle were identified as Jerry Wayne Smith, Jr., 43, of Salina, and Christopher Lee Smith, 21, of Abilene. Jerry is Christopher's father. Both were transported to the Barton County Jail where they were booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, criminal use of a firearm as well as possession of drug paraphernalia. Both individuals had outstanding warrants from the Kansas Department of Corrections for parole violation. The drug charges carry a $100,000 bond. The warrants for parole violation have no bond. The Sheriff’s office was assisted in this operation by detectives from the Great Bend Police Department.