ELLINWOOD — Three individuals were arrested early Tuesday morning after a traffic stop search turned up illegal narcotics. 

According to the Ellinwood Police Department, at approximately 12:16 a.m. Tuesday, an EPD officer conducted a traffic stop on a 2007 GMC pickup in the 200 block of West Santa Fe Boulevard for a traffic violation. The traffic stop led to a narcotic investigation and the vehicle was searched. A “substantial amount” of suspected methamphetamine was reportedly located in a false compartment in the vehicle.

Andrew Lynn Welch, Clifford Allen Parkins and Virginia Lynn Kirk were all arrested at the scene. All three suspects were transported to the Barton County Jail. 

Welch was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal possession of a weapon and multiple traffic violations, while Parkins and Kirk were charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

This case is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ellinwood Police Department, 620-564-3001.