Spokane, WA. — Federal agents seized massive quantities of illegal drugs, cash, and firearms during coordinated raids in the Tri-Cities area this week, marking the largest controlled-substance seizure in the history of the Eastern District of Washington.
On March 3, 2026, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) executed multiple federal search warrants connected to an ongoing investigation into suspected drug trafficker Amador Sanchez and several alleged co-conspirators. Investigators say Sanchez used multiple residences across the Tri-Cities region to facilitate and conceal drug trafficking operations.
According to federal authorities, Sanchez was on federal supervised release following a prior drug trafficking conviction at the time of the investigation.
During the raids, agents seized preliminary totals of more than 200 pounds of methamphetamine, over 164 pounds of powdered fentanyl, and more than 5 pounds of cocaine. Authorities also recovered approximately $2 million in U.S. currency and 16 firearms.
DEA Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Saccone called the operation historic and emphasized the potential harm the seized drugs could have caused.
“This historic seizure, the largest in the history of the Eastern District of Washington, marks significant progress toward a fentanyl-free America,” Saccone said. “The extraordinary amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine removed from the Tri-Cities area would have devastated families and communities.”
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano praised the joint law-enforcement effort behind the operation.
“Removing this historic quantity of poison from our community is a true testament to the dedication, partnerships, and tireless efforts of our team and our law enforcement partners,” Serrano said. “Taking these drugs, guns, and money off the streets will save lives.”
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and indictments are expected to be presented to a federal grand jury.
The case is being led by the DEA Tri-Cities Resident Office, working with partners from the U.S. Border Patrol, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and state law enforcement agencies.
Officials noted that any charges included in future indictments would be accusations only, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
About the Author
Discover more from Right Now Oregon
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Good job agents