In a joint operation involving the Iola Police Department, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested two individuals in possession of a significant quantity of illegal substances.
The arrest, which occurred following a traffic stop in Meade County on U.S. Highway 54, uncovered 2 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 2,500 pills presumed to contain the deadly opioid fentanyl.
The apprehended suspects have been identified as 47-year-old Jeffrey A. Filley and 32-year-old Theresa R. West, both residents of Wichita. The charges against Filley and West include distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, distribution or possession of a controlled substance using a communication facility, and conspiracy.
The investigation traces its roots back to September, when the Iola Police Department initiated efforts to uncover methamphetamine distribution in southeast Kansas, believed to be orchestrated by individuals based in Wichita. Months of collaboration and intelligence gathering culminated in the joint operation that led to the arrest of Filley and West on Wednesday, Jan. 3.
Iola Police Chief Jared Warner noted the local department became involved during an ongoing investigation. “Some information came about from search warrants that we conducted here locally and we passed that information along to the KBI,” Warner said Tuesday. He added that the two individuals were substantial suppliers with connections to the area and having their operation shut down “has the potential to ease the flow of drugs coming into our community.”
In addition to the drug-related charges, West faces charges of driving while suspended and multiple traffic violations.
The Kansas Highway Patrol executed the traffic stop in Meade County, resulting in the discovery of the illicit drugs. The KBI reported that the 2 pounds of methamphetamine and the fentanyl-laden pills were located soon after the vehicle was stopped.
Both suspects, Filley and West, were booked into the Meade County Jail where they await legal proceedings.
