The pilot of an airplane transporting marijuana when it landed at Allen County Airport on July 11 is being held on federal charges in Harvey County, which has a contract with the U.S. Marshals Service.
Kenneth Weaver, 58, Denver, was indicted by a federal grant jury for possession and distribution of marijuana. He will appear in federal court on Oct. 7, said Allen County Sheriff Bryan Murphy.
Weaver had planned to land at Burlington, but diverted to Allen County when he apparently learned authorities were waiting there. A tip led local officers to intercept Weaver once he landed at the airport three miles southeast of Iola.
When Weaver couldn’t produce a pilot’s license, officers had reason to keep him grounded while a drug-sniffing dog from Wilson County was en route. The dog indicated the present of marijuana, which led to issuance of a warrant and a search of the plane.
The search produced 224 pounds of marijuana, with estimated street value of as much as $1 million.
Meanwhile, investigations have continued, the result of which Murphy said he would be able to release later. When all is resolved, Allen County will share in proceeds from sale of the airplane and whatever else is seized during the investigation.
Pilot of plane carrying marijuana faces charges
