Traffic Stop Leads to Two Drug Arrests

                On February 28, 2023 at approximately 10:00 p.m., Patrol Officer Rory Johnson conducted a traffic stop 1300 block of Grand Ave. for a registration violation. During that stop, K9 Officer Christian Smith and K9 Morgan arrived to assist with the stop. During an open-air sniff of the vehicle, K9 Morgan alerted.

                Through this investigation and search of the vehicle, several different controlled substances were located, including over 6 grams of methamphetamine, and items of drug paraphernalia. The driver, Rachel Haslett, 23 of Parsons, and one of her passengers, Travis Hughes, 36 of Parsons, were arrested for Possession of Controlled Substances with Intent to Distribute within 1000 Feet of a School, Possession of Controlled Substances, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Haslett was also arrested for Vehicle Registration violations. The third passenger was released from the scene.

                This is not Hughes first trip to court either, with prior convictions for multiple convictions for Possession of Controlled Substances, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Battery, and most recently two counts of endangering a child and another Possession of Controlled Substance, when he was released from Kansas Department of Corrections supervision in April of 2020.

                "This is a great example of the work that Officer Johnson, K9 Officer Smith and K9 Morgan display on a regular basis. This job is truly a team effort and this group exemplified this during this stop." said Lieutenant Kyle Wiford.

                This continues to be an on-going investigation and citizens are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It." If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com.

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