Heroin, meth seized in Moses Lake, Warden

MOSES LAKE — A lengthy drug investigation resulted in several arrests and the seizure of heroin, methamphetamine and over $12,000 in currency on Monday.

The arrests stem from an investigation conducted by the Moses Lake Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit (SCU) and included the execution of search warrants in Moses Lake and Warden, according to MLPD Capt. Dave Sands.

In a joint effort that included Grant County’s Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (INET), the Moses Lake Regional Tactical Response Team, the Warden Police Department and the Washington State Patrol, including one of their K-9 officers, search warrants were carried out in the 600 block of West Fourth Street in Warden and in the 4000 block of Road K Northeast, just outside of Moses Lake.

Law enforcement arrested Juan Contreras, 35, of Warden, Jorge L. Torres Contreras, 29, of Moses Lake, and Jose L. Torres Contreras, 23, of Warden. Sands said additional suspects were detained and released. They are facing possible charges in the future. Detectives reportedly seized over 1.5 pounds of heroin, over 10 ounces of methamphetamine, items used to package and weigh drugs, over $12,000 in U.S. currency and three vehicles.

“While the investigation for this case was predominantly conducted by the Street Crimes Unit, the execution of the warrants would not have been possible without the assistance and expertise of all involved,” Sands explained. “This case is a great example of how law enforcement agencies work together every day to deal with the problems facing our communities. The Moses Lake Police Street Crimes Unit would like to give special thanks to INET for their assistance throughout this lengthy investigation.”

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