Drug raid leads to $171,000 seized

EPHRATA - Oregon police stopped a Mattawa woman for a possible traffic infraction, which lead to the seizure of more than $171,000.

Cindy L. Eckenberg, 51, Mattawa, was arrested on several drug-related charges after Central Oregon Drug Enforcement officers and the Oregon State Police stopped her vehicle near Prineville, Ore., according to Grant County Chief Deputy Ryan Rectenwald.

A warrant was used to search her car. Officers reportedly found 2 pounds of methamphetamine, half pound of cocaine, 1,000 ecstasy pills, $53,000 in cash and a stolen 9 mm pistol, according to Rectenwald.

The pistol was listed as stolen from a person living in Lewiston, Idaho.

The Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (INET) in Grant County was notified of the arrest and drugs allegedly found in the car. They used a warrant to search her home on South Selkirk Avenue in Mattawa.

No people were found inside, but drugs and cash were seized.

Officers reportedly found and seized 2 ounces of methamphetamine worth $3,000, 10 grams of cocaine worth $800, 1,200 ecstasy pills worth $12,000 and $1,200 in cash, according to Rectenwald.

A 2001 Ford pickup truck and two utility trailers were also seized.

"This was a great joint effort by INET and Oregon's CODE team," stated Sheriff Tom Jones. "Cooperation such as this really makes an impact on drugs and other illegal ventures."

INET served warrants on four bank accounts reportedly belonging to Eckenberg and seized $106,000 from a bank account in Tukwila and $2,600 from an account in Mattawa. The two other accounts, in Quincy and Ellensburg, did not have money in them, according to Rectenwald.

"The investigation is ongoing," said Rectenwald.