Alleged heroin dealer arrested in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE - A Moses Lake man, allegedly the leader of a heroin trafficking ring, was arrested Wednesday in Moses Lake.

Juan Quintana, 25, was arrested about 4 p.m. Wednesday near the Moses Lake Community Health Center by members of Grant County's Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team and Moses Lake police officers.

Police believe Quintana is a leader of a heroin trafficking ring in Moses Lake, according to the sheriff's office. He was arrested on suspicion of heroin delivery in a school zone and conspiracy to deliver heroin, all felony offenses.

If convicted, the school zone enhancements alone would put Quintana in prison for a minimum of 48 months, according to the sheriff's office.

The arrest was a result of a several month-long investigation by INET detectives who have been working to fight the distribution of heroin in Moses Lake and Grant County. Heroin use is reportedly up in the county and is becoming one of the biggest drug problems, according to previous information from undercover INET detectives.

"I again commend INET for putting pressure on heroin traffickers and dealers," Sheriff Tom Jones said. "INET's emphasis on targeting and arresting major local drug distributors is making a positive impact on the safety of our communities."

INET is supervised by the Grant County Sheriff's Office and includes detectives from the sheriff's office, Washington State Patrol and Moses Lake Police Department.