Kansas Drug Cartel Case Expanding

The government is asking a court for more time to prosecute an alleged conspiracy to launder drug money for a Mexican cartel in Kansas.

Prosecutors asked the court on Monday to designate as complex the case against former Plains State Bank President James Kirk Friend and two of his customers, George and Agatha Enns of Meade. The designation would give the parties more time without speedy trial constraints.

Two other former bank employees are also charged in the case with failing to report the suspicious financial transactions.

Prosecutors contend many unindicted individuals are involved and it is possible others may be charged. They also say their investigation has uncovered additional information about the conduct of the indicted banking officials. Prosecutors want more time to review over $6 million in transactions.