The Blaine County Narcotics Enforcement Team arrested two men last weekend in Hailey on cocaine delivery charges.
Ketchum Police Chief Steve Harkins identified the suspects as Stephen E. Bohner, 59, and William Anders Ard, 18. Court records state that both men live in Hailey.
Harkins is director of the narcotics enforcement team, which is composed of officers from throughout the Wood River Valley and is commonly referred to as NET.
Harkins said the arrests were not related to each other and took place at separate residences Saturday on River Street in western Hailey.
Bohner was arrested on two counts of felony delivery of cocaine for allegedly selling two half-grams of the drug in separate sales to a narcotics enforcement team confidential informant. He was arraigned Monday in Blaine County Magistrate Court and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for Dec. 21. Bohner was released later Monday from the Blaine County jail after posting $10,000 bond.
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Harkins said Ard was arrested at another River Street residence that is suspected by the NET of being a drug hangout for young people. He was arrested on suspicion of delivery of cocaine for allegedly selling 3.5 grams of the drug to a team confidential informant.
"Prior to Ard's arrest, NET members had received numerous complaints about possible drug activity and the unusual amount of vehicle and foot traffic by teenage kids and younger adults during the school lunch hour," Harkins wrote in a news release. "A search of the residence produced drug paraphernalia and marijuana. The residence had very little furniture and by its condition appeared to be a gathering place for the above crowd. More charges and arrests are possible in connection with the residence."
According to jail records, Ard was released Monday to the custody of his parents. Additional information on Ard was not available Thursday because the court case against him has been sealed and was and not available for public inspection.
Harkins acknowledged that both busts were for small amounts of cocaine, but said the arrests are "part of an ongoing investigation to stop drug distribution in the valley."
"Often, controlled purchases start off in small amounts and sometimes those smaller amounts lead to larger amounts," Harkins said.
He said a gram of cocaine typically costs about $100 and generally provides two to four doses, depending on the user doing the drug.
Terry Smith: tsmith@mtexpress.com
Stephen E. Bohner and William Anders Ard
