Major drug suppliers taken down in Eastern Washington

Joe Teehan

KGMIU,S, Department of the InteriorA Bureau of Indian Affairs K-9 unit was patrolling the interstate on the Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico when he conducted a traffic stop. Upon searching the vehicle, the BIA K-9 officer detected several packages containing more than $230,000 worth of marijuana and THC Concentrate.

3-18-2019

MATTAWA, Wash. — A joint task force between law enforcement and Indian reservations brought in more than $700,000 worth of drugs during recent operations in four border states, including Washington.

President Trump formed the Joint Task Force on Opioid Reduction in 2018 that is led by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The BIA has been partnering with every level of law enforcement, including the U.S. Border Patrol, local police, and tribal police to stop drug smuggling.

On March 13, federal authorities worked with Mattawa Police to move in on a residence known to supply reservations across the state and seized nearly 5 pounds of meth worth approximately $105,350.

A previous BIA operation on the Spokane Reservation in February led to the seizure of more than $200,000 worth of heroin and meth.

Acting Secretary Bernhardt at the U.S. Dept. of the Interior commented on the recent seizures, saying, “The law enforcement officers of the Joint Task Force are doing incredible work to keep Tribal communities safe from the deadly and illegal drugs pouring in from Mexico.”