‘Historic’ drug bust: E. Washington raids seize hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl, $2 million cash
SEATTLE (KTVZ) -- The Drug Enforcement Administration executed federal search warrants in the Tri-Cities area this week, leading to the largest seizure of controlled substances in the history of the Eastern District of Washington, officials said Friday.
The operation targeted a drug trafficking organization and led to the recovery of hundreds of pounds of narcotics and millions of dollars in cash.
The investigation centered on Amador Sanchez and several co-conspirators. Agents targeted several residences throughout the Tri-Cities used to facilitate and conceal illegal activities. he seizure included massive quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, which officials say would have significantly impacted the local community.
Preliminary estimates indicate agents seized more than 200 pounds of methamphetamine, 164 pounds of powdered fentanyl and five pounds of cocaine. Along with the narcotics, officials recovered about $2 million in U.S. currency and 16 firearms.
Investigators said they found that Sanchez used several residences to facilitate the operation. They said the search warrants revealed that Sanchez used at least one home in each of the Tri-Cities - Kennewick, Pasco and Richland - to conceal their illegal activities.
At the time of the investigation, Sanchez was on federal supervised release following a previous federal conviction for drug trafficking.
Robert A. Saccone, special agent in charge of the DEA's Seattle Field Division, said the operation represents a major disruption to the local drug market.
"This historic seizure, the largest in the history of the Eastern District of Washington, marks significant progress toward a Fentanyl-Free America," Saccone said.
He added that the amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine removed from the area would have otherwise devastated local families.
First Assistant Pete Serrano emphasized the collaborative nature of the multiagency operation.
"Removing this historic quantity of poison from our community is a true testament to the dedication, partnerships and tireless efforts of our team and our law enforcement partners," Serrano said.
He noted that the removal of the drugs and weapons will save lives and remains a top priority for his office and federal partners.
The investigation was led by the DEA Tri-Cities Resident Office. Assisting agencies included the U.S. Border Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals, Homeland Security Investigations and several state law enforcement partners.
Indictments are expected to be sought from a federal grand jury as the investigation continues.
