Great Bend Police Chief Steve Haulmark reports “quantities of cocaine consistent with distribution, firearms, and drug paraphernalia” were located by officers when they searched a home in Great Bend Thursday morning. Officers were dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of Frey Street at 10:22 a.m. on Feb. 19, in reference to an ongoing investigation involving drug trafficking.

Upon arrival, officers apprehended Erasmo Ortiz-Chavez, age 70, inside the residence and conducted their search. Ortiz- Chavez was transported and booked into the Barton County Jail on requested charges of distribution of cocaine, criminal use of weapons, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no drug tax stamp. Bond was set at $50,000.

Anyone with information regarding this or any other case is encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or the Barton County Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.