Stolen license plate led to arrest of Kansas drug dealer

JACKSON COUNTY – Police are investigating two suspects on drug charges.

Shortly after 2:30 p.m. on September 9, 2024, at approximately 2:30 p.m., a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a maroon Pontiac Grand Prix with a Kansas tag attached to a Ford F150 pickup truck on U.S. Highway 75 and 110 Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

During the traffic stop, a Jackson County Sheriff's sniffer dog detected the odor of illegal narcotics in the vehicle. The driver, Craig Anthony Newton, 53, of Axtell, and the passenger, Shelly Jo Artzer, 53, of Topeka, were arrested.

Newton is being held on the requested charges, which include distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, having a license plate not belonging to a vehicle, and failure to provide proof of motor vehicle insurance.

Artzer was arrested on the requested charges, which include distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia.