LARNED — Three Larned residents were arrested and charged with methamphetamine and marijuana possession with the intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of school property earlier this month.

Mark Larson, 53, Tammy Lee Smith, 52 and Trapper Larson, 20, were arrested following the execution of a search warrant at a Larned residence on the evening of Jan. 23. All three appeared in custody via Zoom before Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell on Thursday for a formal first appearance. 

Mark and Trapper Larson are also charged with criminal possession of an explosive device. Other charges include felony and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia suitable to distribute a controlled substance and failure to provide a Kansas drug stamp. According to the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDR), drug dealers and individuals who possess marijuana and controlled substances are required by law to purchase drug tax stamps equal to the value of the illegal drugs in their possession. The drug tax stamp(s) must be affixed to the packaging as soon as they take possession of the illegal drugs. The KDR website states that although dealing with and possessing marijuana and controlled substances is illegal, it does not exempt it from taxation.

Preliminary hearings have been scheduled for Feb. 11, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. Mark Larson and Tammy Smith are being held in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office in lieu of $90,000 bond. Trapper Larson is being held in the custody of the Barton County Sheriff’s Office also in lieu of $90,000 bond.

If convicted, they could face between 11.5 and 17 years in state prison depending on criminal history.