The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says more than 40 people have been arrested following a months-long narcotics investigation. 

Authorities from numerous agencies investigated narcotics distribution focused on several northwest Kansas counties and along the Colorado border. The KBI said in a news release that the majority of arrests happened Monday through Wednesday. 

"Approximately 41 arrests were made for suspected crimes including distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, multiple weapons violations and several other drug related crimes," the release said.

The arrests occurred in the Kansas counties of Cheyenne, Ellis, Greeley, Logan, Rawlins, Sherman, Thomas, and Wallace. Arrests were also made in the Colorado counties of Cheyenne and Kit Carson.

Additional arrests are expected, the KBI said. Most of those arrested are awaiting formal charges to be filed in Wallace County.

No names were released.

"This effort represented a coordinated law enforcement response in combating drug violence and reducing the accessibility of illegal drugs impacting western Kansas and Eastern Colorado. The KBI’s mission in proactive narcotics operations like these is to partner with all affected law enforcement agencies in an effort to reduce the availability and distribution of drugs in Kansas."

The following law enforcement agencies assisted with the arrests:

  • Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism
  • Kansas Highway Patrol
  • Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit
  • Colby Police Department
  • Hays Police Department
  • Ellis County Sheriff’s Office
  • Wichita County Sheriff’s Office 
  • Ford County Sheriff’s Office 
  • Atwood Police Department
  • Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office
  • Kit Carson County, Colorado Sheriff’s Office

The Wallace County Attorney’s Office, Sherman County Attorney’s Office, and Greeley County Attorney’s Office are also assisting.