Back

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.**

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

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

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 21
    Feb 2025
    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
  • 21
    Feb 2025
    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
  • 19
    Feb 2025
    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
  • 14
    Feb 2025
    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
  • 11
    Feb 2025
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Election Day

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Election Day

    Please see Ballot Drop Locations