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2023 Columbia River Drug Task Force Overview

The Columbia River Drug Task Force (CRDTF) had a successful year in 2023.  The mission of the CRDTF is to combat illegal drug activity, current law enforcement issues facing our community, and to help promote successful and thriving communities in both Chelan and Douglas County.   The highly skilled and motivated members of the CRDTF take this mission very seriously, which is reflected by their accomplishments in 2023.

In 2023, the CRDTF opened 119 new cases.  Out of those cases, they had 104 total arrests.  They also seized over $76,000 in cash and $175,000 in bank accounts.  The unit served 56 search warrants that resulted in the recovery of 21 firearms, many of which were stolen. That is 21 guns taken out of the hands of people who by law should not have had them.  Additionally, the unit seized nearly 5,500 grams of methamphetamine, 750 grams of cocaine, 24,970 fentanyl pills, and 74.6 grams of pure fentanyl powder. Other drug seizures included heroin, marijuana, and a variety of different prescription-type drugs that were illicit.  These stats not only reflect the hard work of the CRDTF, but they highlight the prevalence of drugs in our communities.  While it’s impossible to measure the number of lives that were saved by these drug seizures, when 2 milligrams of fentanyl powder can be lethal, it is safe to say lives were saved as a result of their seizure of the 74 grams of fentanyl powder and 24,970 fentanyl pills. 

The CRDTF not only combats the drug epidemic, they also remain very flexible in the cases they work and how those cases relate to the needs of the community.  As a result, they also work cases that relate to firearms, gangs, violent crimes, and serial offenders.  This combined focus had a positive impact on juvenile gang violence, in addition to the increasing drug use and fentanyl overdoses. The CRDTF worked a case that led to the arrest of a resident of Safe Park 1 in the City of Wenatchee. That investigation led to two additional arrests of drug dealers who were supplying drugs to residents of the Safe Park locations. Additionally, the CRDTF met with all the principals from Eastmont School District to educate them on youth gang trends and fentanyl. CRDTF members also did presentations at two other local schools, and participated in the WPD Citizen's Academy.

Moving forward into 2024, the CRDTF aims to continue to reduce crime rates, have our community members feel safe each and every day as they go about their way of life, and continue to have a reputation where Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Chelan, and Douglas County are great places to raise their families and live for generations to come.

 

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Last Updated: 02/29/2024 07:13 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 18
    Dec 2024
    01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person
  • 18
    Dec 2024
    06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

    Planning Commission - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 04
    Dec 2024
    09:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Hearing Examiner - December 4, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    Chelan County Administrative Building or zoom
  • 26
    Nov 2024
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 26
    Nov 2024
    01:30 PM - 02:00 PM

    Public Meeting: Certify Election

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office