(KNZA)--Four Hiawatha residents were arrested on drug charges after a search warrant was served on a Hiawatha residence Sunday afternoon.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said his Department's narcotic unit executed a search warrant at a residence located at 714 Iowa Street.  He said the Narcotic Unit and County Attorney Kevin Hill worked many hours to prepare for the warrant.

Upon arrival at the residence. Merchant said a deputy encountered 48-year-old Michael Ballman near the garage of the residence. He fled after the deputy identified himself and announced “ search warrant.”

He was later apprehended after a short case in the yard of a residence at 703 Pottawatomie Street. Ballman was allegedly in possession of about 9 grams of methamphetamine as well as a quantity of cash.

Merchant said seized during the search warrant was cash, syringes, air pistols, knives, bongs, marijuana, meth pipes, scales, paraphernalia, prescription medication and meth.

Ballman was arrested on charges of distribution  of meth, possession of meth,  possession of drug Paraphernalia and  felony obstruction.

55-year-old Kimberly Wagner was arrested on charges of  possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia

60-year-old Morton Alfrey was arrested on charges of possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia.

64-year-old Steven Schler was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Merchant said the case remains under investigation and additional charges are possible. 

The Hiawatha Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism assisted.