Sixteen arrested in drug sweep

Manhattan — A four-county, two-state sweep Thursday resulted in 16 arrests and the seizure of drugs, cash and weapons, Kansas Atty. Gen. Phill Kline said.

While declining to discuss specifics, Kline called the arrests and seizures “significant” and said the sweep was the result of a monthslong investigation by a number of law enforcement agencies.

Kline said officers executed a total of 21 search warrants in Riley and Pottawatomie counties in northeast Kansas, Ford County in southwest Kansas and Jackson County, Mo., part of the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Most of the arrests were in Manhattan, he said.

Riley County Atty. Barry Wilkerson said most of those arrested would probably make first appearances today in Riley County District Court. Kline, however, said the cases could be handled in federal court if that would result in longer prison sentences.

“We should not tolerate those that traffic in the misery of others,” Kline said at a news conference.