Columbia River Drug Task Force seized over 6,000 fentanyl pills in 2024

WENATCHEE — The Columbia River Drug Task Force seized more than 5,500 grams of methamphetamine and over 6,300 fentanyl pills during operations in 2024.

The multi-agency task force, comprising officers from Chelan County Sheriff's Office, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Wenatchee Police Department, and East Wenatchee Police Department, made 92 arrests and opened 101 new cases throughout the year.

Among those arrested were 27 known gang members. The task force also disrupted six drug trafficking organizations operating in Chelan and Douglas Counties.

During their operations, officers executed 86 search warrants, leading to the seizure of 46 firearms, many of which were reported stolen. The task force confiscated approximately 1,012 grams of cocaine and 1,611 grams of pure fentanyl powder, alongside other illicit substances including heroin, psilocybin mushrooms, Xanax, and various prescription drugs.

Asset seizures included more than $65,000 in cash identified as proceeds from criminal activity and 11 vehicles linked to criminal operations.

Beyond drug enforcement, the task force expanded its community involvement through educational initiatives. Officers provided gang and drug awareness education to various institutions, including the Chelan County PUD, North Central Educational Services District, and multiple school districts in the region.

The task force also supported local law enforcement agencies with major crimes investigations, including homicides, high-risk arrests, and sex trafficking cases.

The Columbia River Drug Task Force operates across Chelan and Douglas Counties in North Central Washington.