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Columbia River Drug Task Force Drug Trafficking Arrests

**12/13/24 Update: The Sheriff's Office would like to clarify, despite the fact the individuals arrested in this case were dealing in a highly potent type of fentanyl, we don't currently have specific evidence linking them to the recent overdose deaths in the area.**

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A 6 month investigation by the Columbia River Drug Task Force led to the discovery of a local drug trafficking network that was led by Kevin Pina Gaona.  This drug trafficking network to include Pina Gaona are all gang members or associates.  Over the course of the investigation, the task force obtained information that this group was dealing in large quantities of highly potent deadly fentanyl (often mixed with xylazine), as well as large quantities of methamphetamines.  This type of potent fentanyl has been responsible for at least 10 overdose deaths in the Wenatchee area within the last two weeks alone.

The investigation culminated on the evening of 12/6/2024.  With the assistance of the East Cascade SWAT Team the Task Force served multiple search warrants in both Chelan and Douglas Counties that led to seizures of both fentanyl and methamphetamines as well as at least 10 firearms to include an AR15.  These firearms were in the hands of dangerous gang members and drug dealers who were not allowed to possess them as they are convicted felons.

Kevin Pina Goana , Jessie Pina and Luis Garcia were all arrested during the search warrant service and booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center, with additional charges pending at this time.

The investigation is still ongoing at this time.

 

SEE FULL MEDIA RELEASE (PDF)

Last Updated: 12/13/2024 06:25 PM

Chelan County Calendar

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  • 21
    Jan 2025
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Ballots will be mailed to voters

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Ballots will be mailed to voters

  • 10
    Jan 2025
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    Ballots mailed for military, overseas and out of state voters

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    Ballots mailed for Military, Overseas and Out of State voters

  • 08
    Jan 2025
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    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

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    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on January 8, 2025.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
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    Jan 2025
    01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner - January 8, 2025

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    By Zoom Video Conference or in person at 400 Douglas St.
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    Jan 2025
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday

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    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is Dec. 7.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility