20 pounds of meth, other drugs uncovered, linked to Eastern Washington drug trafficking

Two men are in custody after a multi-agency investigation with ties to much of Eastern Washington.

According to a press release from the Benton County Sheriff's Office, Tri-Cities-area law enforcement agencies worked  in collaboration with the Spokane Police Department on a large scale operation to arrest members of a drug traffic organization. The Spokane Police Department has been working with the Tri-Cities METRO Drug Task Force for over a month to intercept and arrest members of what they describe as a "complex drug trafficking organization" that has been distributing large amounts of Methamphetamine and Heroine throughout Eastern Washington.

On Thursday September 14^th law enforcement officers from the Spokane Police Department, the Benton County Sheriff’ Office Gang Unit, the Tri-Cities METRO Drug Task Force, Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco Police departments, Washington State Patrol and the Tri-City Regional SWAT Team executed search warrants in connection with this investigation.

Over 20 pounds of Methamphetamine was seized at 218003 E. Bowles Road in Finley. Two additional search warrants were executed at addresses in the City of Pasco, also in connection with this case. At those locations additional Methamphetamine and Heroine, along with a large amount of cash was seized.

33-year old Jesus Vega-Beltran and 24-year old Eldmir Eunices Ochoa Gastlum were both taken into custody. Vega-Beltran is a previously deported felon with a weapons history and a past conviction of sex trafficking. He faces charges for delivery of a controlled substance. Ochoa Gastlum was also arrested for delivery of a controlled substance.

Investigators expect to make additional arrests.