2 arrested, 1 suspect still at large after drug busts

MOSES LAKE — Two people were arrested and one is still at large after a large amount of illegal drug were seized during a series of search warrants in Moses Lake and Warden.

The Moses Lake Police Department raided a home in the 9700 block of Olympic Drive Northeast on Sunday after gathering information during an investigation. Police reportedly seized a handgun, over 30 grams of heroin, 10 grams of methamphetamine and almost $10,000 in drug proceeds. Salvador Contreras-Garcia, 23, of Moses Lake, was found at the home and arrested on drug-related charges, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators with Grant County’s Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (INET) gathered further information and received a search warrant for more buildings on the property in the 9700 block of Olympic Drive. INET and the MLPD reportedly conducted the search warrant on Sunday and recovered 1.5 pounds of meth, half a pound of heroin and an assault rifle.

An arrest warrant was issued for Adrian Contreras-Garcia, 32, of Moses Lake, Salvador Contreras-Garcia’s brother and the owner of the Olympic Drive residence, whom investigators believe is connected with the illegal drug operation. Adrian Contreras-Garcia’s vehicle was located on Wednesday at a residence in the 400 block of South Main Street in Warden. Police reportedly served a search warrant at the home and seized $3,000 in drug proceeds, drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Adrian Contreras-Garcia’s girlfriend, identified as Cristina Hernandez Silva, 28, of Warden, was arrested for possession of forged documents during the execution of the search warrant. Hernandez Silva is reportedly facing additional drug-related charges.

The total street value of the drugs seized in the raids in Moses Lake and Warden is estimated at about $85,000. In addition, investigators reportedly seized five vehicles that are associated with drug trafficking, according to the sheriff’s office.

“The success of busting this drug operation was because of cooperation between INET, Moses Lake Police and Warden Police,” Sheriff Tom Jones said. “This type of teamwork happens every day and is all focused on making our communities safer.”

Adrian Contreras-Garcia has not yet be arrested and is still at large. If you have information on his whereabouts contact the sheriff’s office at 509-762-1160 or email information to crimetips@grantcountywa.gov. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.